Club Mahindra Membership Biggest Financial Mistake

Club Mahindra Membership is my biggest
Financial Mistake
by HEM AN T B ENI W AL
in F AM IL Y F IN ANC ES
L AS T UPD A TE D ON: 1 2/ 1 2/ 20 13
Upfront I am accepting that buying Club Mahindra Membership was my biggest

financial mistake. Readers may be thinking biggest is a comparative word that
means there must be few more. Yes Why not. I am also a human and allowed to
make some mistakes. Each day one takes 4-5 financial decisions and if not more,
there is a fair chance that few of them will prove to be wrong. Sometime money
involved can be small for eg going for new released movie. If your family likes the
movie than fine. But what if opposite happens? (If decision was wrong cost Rs
1500-2000 if tickets bought in Royale or Rs 500-1000 if bought tickets for Executive
class and additional loss of Rs 200-300 if buying Pepsi or eatables even choosing
large or small Pepsi is a financial decision impact Rs 100 on budget)
Let me also share that one decision which is blunder for one person can be a small
mistake for other & for third person it may also prove to be right again financial
planners favorite line it depends on person to person. So why I am saying Club
Mahindra Membership is MY biggest mistake (in short) because:
Amount & time involved is huge.
It doesnt suite my type of person, who doesnt want to sit & enjoy I want to
explore the places in & around the city that I am visiting.
It was mis-sold lots of things were hidden & misrepresented.
I am frugal when it comes to food on a trip & they charge me bomb for that
There is big difference between what Club Mahindra promise, what people
expect & what they deliver.
Club Mahindra Holidays Membership Features
If you want to know about membership features, check their website..
Club Mahindra Membership Fees

Before looking at the Club Mahindra Holidays Membership Fees we have to
understand criteria on what this fee is based on.
First is type of Rooms

Studio Apartment is a room for 3 adults or 2 adults & 2 kids.
1 Bed Room (BR) room for 4 adults
2 BR room for 6 adults
Second is Type of Seasons
Club Mahindra has divided 52 weeks in 4 Seasons/Colors. (Check Season chart
here)
Purple: This is period like New Year, summer holidays or Diwali holidays.
Red: Its second best category which covers all major long holidays & peak
season for a particular location.
White: Normal Season
Blue: Its off season
Membership is also divided in these categories where you can utilize holiday
in your season or lower. So Purple Members can have holidays in any season but
white can only go for White & Blue. Holiday in higher season is also possible but
there are limitations like bookings can only be made 15 days in advance & you can
jump only one season so White can think of going in red but not in purple.
Club Mahindra Membership Fees (2013-2014)
Source
Just to share that lot of existing members are willing to sell their membership at 30-40% discounts.
Club Mahindra Membership Annual Subscription Fees

(ASF)
Club Mahindra Claims their membership is Inflation Free but other than one time
fees members have to pay annual subscription fees (irrespective of usage), depending
on type of room they own. They charge ASF on type on rooms so Studio will pay
lowest ASF & 2 Bed Room will pay highest. But at the time of booking you can choose
any room so I am having Studio but can book 2 BR & pay 50% less ASF. (You people
will be feeling pity about me & I am feeling same for people who have bought 1 BR &
2 BR) This fees is not fixed it increase every year according to urban inflation
numbers.
ASF Charges in 2011-2012 (in bracket 2010-2011) including service tax
Studio Rs 9,681 (Rs 8,994)
1 BR Rs 13,593 (Rs 12,629)
2 BR Rs 19,069 (Rs 17,717)
Club Mahindra Membership Cancellation Policy

They have a very transparent membership cancellation policy that there is 10 days
free-look period where the whole amount can be refunded but I was not allowed to
use that. After 10 days you can cancel the membership but there will be no refund
sounds similar to our favorite endowment plans. But after that if you want you can
sell your membership in open market but there are no buyers. Check sites like
Quikr or Olx and you will find lot of sellers but no buyers.
In last financial year there were 4000 membership cancellation I assume that as
they dont have proper cancellation policy, these are the people who have not paid
Annual Subscription Fees (ASF) & there membership was automatically cancelled.
44% members are not utilizing their holidays

Club Mahindra Holidays can advertise Happy Families but truth is 44% of
members are not availing their holidays. Why?
First & biggest reason is there is a gap between number of members & inventory
(number of units) available in the resorts. They proudly say that there membership
is increased by 26% Compounded annualized growth rate but their Inventory was not
able to keep pace & just grown by 22%. Gap was 9% in 2005, which has now grown to
26%. (You can check the below table Club Mahindra Members Vs
Inventory)
Second, Club Mahindra gives resorts on rental to nonmembers, even in the peak
season. So members compete with nonmembers. Their annual report show earning
of Rs 15 Cr from rental they have received from nonmembers. If I assume Rs 4000
per night room rent it turns to 3% of the total available inventory.
Third, when there is big gap in available inventory & some competition from
nonmembers; few people will definitely be disappointed because they will not get
what they desire. Club Mahindra expect that people should plan there holidays 6
months in advance I think I can do it but its not possible for people who are in
jobs. Their annual report shows that occupancy was at 77% & if we adjust even 2%
that was utilsed by nonmembers so member occupancy is at 75%. If we compare that
with number of members, it turns out to be 44%. (check below graph Club
Mahindra Yearly Membership Unutilised)
I dont think I again have to tell you that Club Mahindra charges Annual Subscription
Fees (ASF) irrespective of you go for holidays or not. In addition they dont allow
members to accumulate more than 3 years (21 days) holidays. If member dont pay
ASF, his membership will seize.
My Story
I am passionate about traveling I bought Club Mahindra Red Studio in Feb 2008.
Just after my sisters marriage we were having some cash in our account &
coincidentally we were also planning to buy LCD TV. Then came THE SUNDAY & I
saw advertisement in local newspaper, where Club Mahindra also shared about
FREE Sony Bravia TV. My mind stopped working something similar to when people
see emotional ads of child plans. I called up the number & executive reached my door
step in 2 hours. In next 5 days we finished all formalities & were part of Club
Mahindra roller coaster rides.
There are lot of bitter experience with Club Mahindra starting from purchasing to
doing bookings to services in resorts to checkouts but I must appreciate they have
good properties.
My Mistakes from which you should learn

They say Learning from your mistakes is smart, learning from the mistakes of
others is wise. But learning from own mistake is really expensive.
I have not analysed my requirement: I am passionate about traveling but they
have resorts at limited locations. When I go to some place I try to explore other good
places which are close to that city I dont like sitting on pool side throughout the
day. 31st Dec 2010 I visited Jim Corbett I had bookings for 4 nights. You wont
believe we spent very little time in resort we were more interested in visiting
Nanital & Ranikhet. Even we spent one night in some other hotel because we thought
rather than going back to resort to sleep lets directly go from Nanital to Ranikhet.
I have not researched the product before buying: I have not researched the
product & matching it with my requirement. I believed on brand Mahindra, limited
information that was shared by executive & my gut feeling. After buying the product I
started searching about how existing members feel about it & I was shocked. But
that was too late.
I agreed for the things that were not documented I was interested in Red
Studio because that was most flexible in usage as I can go in Red, White or Blue &
even purple if there is some chance in last 15 days (purple weeks were not available at
that time for purchase). I can choose any type of room & that too with lower ASF.
But the executive said FREE TV is only available with 1 BR so first you buy White 1
BR & we can later convert it in Red Studio. It took me 7 months in conversion & that
too after lot of threatening calls & what not.
There are lot more things to share about Club Mahindra Membership but I will try to
share that in comment section. If you are member of any such time share
resort or planning to buy one or approached by someone, please share
your views in comment section.
Sumant July 17, 2012, 11:11 AM
awesome post. will help a lot of people.
REPLY LINK
o Hemant Beniwal July 17, 2012, 9:42 PM

Thanks Sumant Must share it with your friends.
REPLY LINK
Varun July 10, 2015, 6:01 PM

Hi,
I totally agree this is number one chor company even after paying the
membership fees and booking well in advance I havent got those bookings
confirmed. Everytime I have been asked to change my plans. resorts. dates and once
was even asked to change my birth date to celebrate it as there were no rooms
available in the resort even in the blue season.
Cheaters with an extortionist attitude. When I asked for cancellation , they just gave
me a figure of 20% returns.
Pathetic !!!!
REPLY LINK
Bhatt July 4, 2016, 10:27 AM

I would like to sell my Club Mahindra membership (Red- Studio) valid for 15 years.
Anyone interested may please mail at ilina_bhattacharya@yahoo.co.in
REPLY LINK
Amit Sharma October 18, 2016, 7:37 PM

please send me the final price of your 15 years membeship
REPLY LINK
Ram Parthasarathy December 8,

2016, 10:12 AM
I want to sell my 2 bed red at 40% less proportionate to available no of years.
9385374268
REPLY LINK
gunjan December 21, 2016, 12:09 PM

i am interested in selling my club mahindra membership. it is valid upto 2031. apart
from this i have around 18 unused days left from previous 2-3 years. if someone is
genuinely interested , them write back to me personally on gunjbabe@gmail.com.
share your price offer too.
thankyou in advance .
REPLY LINK
R Chandrasekaran December
22, 2016, 11:01 PM
I am interested t0 buy pl. send me the details and price
REPLY LINK
gun December 23, 2016,

3:25 PM
please share your email id, so that i can share the details. thankyou and regards,
gunjan
REPLY LINK
j srinivas January 18, 2017, 11:43

AM
Hi I am interested to buy in red studio membership.
if any body interested to sell please send me the detail to srinivasjale@gmail.com
REPLY LINK
Sunil Sathe November 17, 2016, 10:52 PM

I am interested in buying the CM membership. Kindly share the related details and
expected price.
REPLY LINK
Pratik November 22, 2016, 12:00 PM

2.5L for 22 years and 21 days of credit + RCI.
REPLY LINK
Sreenivasa Reddy November
27, 2016, 6:49 PM
Can you mail more details to sreenivas426@gmail.com
REPLY LINK
Archana Pawar saxena December 11,

2016, 2:39 AM
Intersted in selling one of my red studio club Mahindra membership, as i have total
of 4 membership, and would let go one ! As i am already using 3 memberships week
every year for Gud !
REPLY LINK
Rajeev December 11, 2016, 3:39

PM
Please send me details at help.my7bucks@gmail. com as I am interested to buy.
REPLY LINK
Sakshi December 13, 2016, 2:28

PM
I am interested in buying. Can you please send the details at sakshicb@yahoo.com
REPLY LINK
Sanjeev December 15, 2016, 5:32

PM
Am interested in buying a Club Mahindra Membership Red Studio
Please lemme know @ +91 9603733324

REPLY LINK
Rajesh December 19, 2016,

6:21 AM
Plz contact me on 9158534666. I have bought it just few weeks back
REPLY LINK
I WANT TO BUY. GIVE

DETAILS January 25, 2017, 2:59 PM
my mobile no 9049004007
REPLY LINK
Bhatt November 29, 2016, 12:20 AM

The membership is now sold. Thanks for the responses.
REPLY LINK
AMIT KUMAR January 8, 2017, 5:10 PM

I WANT TO BUY CM MEMBERSHIP +RCI
SEND DETAILS
akseey@gmail.com
REPLY LINK
Rajnish January 27, 2017, 11:52 AM

Hi
I paid only 1 lakh balance is due. No holidays taken any one want to buy?
Call
9999746568
REPLY LINK
o Amit Sidham August 25, 2012, 5:13 PM

I do not agree with most of the views below. Hemant is feeling that taking a Club
Mahindra membership is his mistake because his requirement is slightly different
from the Club Mahindra offering.
I have visited Goa, Coorg, Ooty and Yercaud resorts of Club Mahindra and the
experience has been very good and I feel that it is not just Value for Money but
infact Significantly More Value For Money
Following explanation would clarify the same-
1. Lets begin with What you pay Vs What you get?
Let say a member takes a white studio apartment, he will have to pay Rs. 2.61 L as
one time membership fee (full down payment with 5% discount, as per 2011-12 fees)
and approx Rs. 10k as ASF in 1st year.
For calculation purposes, I am taking following assumptions-
a. An interest rate of 10% per year (if the money was invested) and also assuming
that ASF goes up by 10% every year.
b. A worst case scenario that the holiday is availed only at the end of every year. So
that the interest is calculated on the amount for the full year.
c. Studio apartment rent per night as of now is Rs. 8000 for a non member booking.
Assuming that the room rent also increase by 10% per year.
In the above case, interest in 1st year on the one time fees at 10% will be Rs. 26125/-.
Member will pay an ASF of Rs. 10000/- (actual is slightly lesser). And at Rs. 8k per
night he will avail benefits worth Rs. 56000/-. So at the end of the year, the value of
the members payment that is balance with Club Mahindra is Rs. 2.41L.
(261252+26125+10000-56000) Interest on this in 2nd year will be Rs. 24138/-, ASF
will go to Rs. 11000/- and Cost of holiday will be Rs. 61600/-. So net balance value
will be Rs. 2.15L. By this calculation the member will break even in 7 years. After that
he will not spend but save every time he goes for a Club Mahindra holiday. In 8th
year he will pay ASF of Rs. 19487 and avail a holiday of Rs. 1.09L, a saving of almost
Rs. 90k. And this saving will go on increasing and in the 25th year he will save more
than Rs. 4.5L.
Year Value Holiday

of your Utilization
Payment Interest ASF Net Balance to be recovered
1 261252 26125 10000 56000 241377
2 241377 24138 11000 61600 214915
3 214915 21491 12100 67760 180746
4 180746 18075 13310 74536 137595
5 137595 13760 14641 81990 84006
6 84006 8401 16105 90189 18323
7 18323 1832 17716 99207 -61336
2. Availability was an issue earlier due to lack of transparency. But now the
availability status is very transparent and the member can check the available
inventory on the portal. No need to plan months in advance. I have done booking
even 2-3 weeks before my travel dates and got the same. I think that people will
anyways plan atleast that much in advance to get the best deals on airfare or confirm
rail/road bookings.
According to Hemant occupancy has been at 75% which means 25% of the inventory
is currently going unutilized. So the point of gap between members and inventory
does not hold valid. What can happen is that there could be many members applying
for the same dates (eg during vacations or extended weekends) and hence there is a
scarcity at that time. But this situation is similar to watching a movie at a theatre on
Saturday evening. People would come in thousands but the theatre capacity is only
for a few hundred.
Recently Club Mahindra has also started good last minute deals. For booking a room
that is available in the next 15 days, the member gets a voucher worth Rs. 750/- per
night of stay at the resort. I think this is a boon to those who cannot plan in advance.
3. I also thought like most of the people earlier, trying to cover maximum spots
during a holiday and coming to the hotel only to sleep and freshen up. But an
experience with Club Mahindra has changed my definition of a holiday completely.
Everybody agrees that Club Mahindra properties are excellent. There is no second
opinion about it. So, while I plan my holiday I not only devote time for site seeing,
but also plan in such a way that I am able to spend a good amount of time at the
resort as well. As the resorts have a host of activities for the entire family right from
indoor and outdoor games, adventure activities, dance, crafts and painting classes,
salad decoration, library, pottery and the list goes on. In the evening there are
cultural programs, karaoke, group games, magic show etc wherein you can enjoy not
only with your family but also get an opportunity to come together with other guests
staying at the resort. Most of these activities are complementary and even the
chargeable ones come at a nominal cost. Infact there is so much at the resort that you
will hardly get time to sit lazing around the pool, until and unless that is what you
want.
4. Food is expensive as compared to ordinary hotels but economical as compared to 5

star hotels of similar standards. They also offer 25% discount on food (a la-carte) to
members. The rooms at most of their resorts are equipped with a kitchenette and
resorts also have a general store where you can buy Heat and Eat or Ready to Eat
packaged meals or noodles, bread etc to make your own breakfast. All this is sold at
MRP, no premium charged on the same. Beacause of the kitchenette facility, you end
up saving a huge amount on your food bills, which you would incur if staying at any
other hotel or resort.
My parents dont like outside food much and while travelling alongwith them this
kitchenette comes as a boon as they really enjoy the taste of fresh food the way it is
prepared at home.
5. The biggest advantage while holidaying with Club Mahindra that I have
experienced is Baby-care. Those who have small children will know how painful can
the experience be when travelling with them. Most of the time goes in worrying about
them- their food, their mood, whether they will stay properly, hoping that they dont
get bored, and as a result we can never enjoy the holiday and sometimes even feel it
would have been a better idea to stay at home itself.
Club Mahindra not only has the Infant friendly attitude but they are fully equipped
to deliver on the same. To give you a small example At home we always ensure that
we give milk, in a properly washed and sterilized bottle to our daughter. What
happens when we go outside? We can at best rinse the bottle and not even wash it
properly. Then order milk from room service and give to the baby. But during our
last trip to Club Mahindra, Ooty in Feb 2012, we could wash the bottle properly in
the kitchenette. The resort provided us with a bottle sterilizer (something that I have
not seen at any other hotel/resort and had not even imagined that some hotel could
have the same for its guests). I called room service to order 2 cups of milk and was
surprised when the person asked me for whom is it? The delivery boy came with the
milk and sugar sachets and when I asked him for the bill to sign, he smiled and said
Milk for the baby is complementary. Thats when I understood why the person had
asked me for whom was I ordering the milk. Apart from the bottle sterilizer, there
was a list of other equipments, kept in the room which mentioned all things that were
provided by the resort for a baby like milk warmer, baby bed, mosquito net etc and
all this without any charges.
Club Mahindra again proved itself when it came to Baby-food. We had not started
giving our daughter regular food at that time. We were giving her only non spicy and
easy to digest food. Club Mahindra provided us with a special Baby-khichdi and
every time the small portion that would be required for an infant was prepared fresh
and served hot. My daughter loved the taste very much. Like the milk and the baby
equipment, this was also complementary.
The Ooty resort also has nice play areas for kids both outdoor and indoor. The
outdoor play area has the usual slides and swings and the indoor one is equipped
with lots of educational games, soft toys, mini swings and slides and a cushioned
maze in which the children can crawl and play. My daughter enjoyed immensely over
here and my wife and I would always have a hard time taking her away from there.
These are in now way small things for parents with small children, but inspite of the
willingness to pay any price for it we are not able to get these elsewhere, while
travelling. But at Club Mahindra all our apprehensions about travelling with our
small daughter were put to rest. We can now travel to any Club Mahindra resort and
be assured that we do not have to worry about our 2 year old daughter. I am
travelling to Munnar and Ashtamudi next month and desperately awaiting the Club
Mahindra holiday with my family.
6. No. of resorts including associate and special arrangements are now about 35 and
this number is growing. Sufficient enough to last for 25 years of membership without
having to visit the same resort a second time. Above this there is an access to 4000+
RCI resorts across the world.
7. The flexibility is another advantage. A member does not need to book for 7 nights
at a stretch. He can break it in 2-3 small holidays. If 7 nights are not utilized they can
be carried forward to the next year. I had previously accumulated inventory left and
so have been able to book 4 resorts this year.
There is flexibility even in the apartment size. I have a White Studio membership, so
I can book a studio when travelling with only my wife and daughter and can book a 1
BR apt when my Parents/ In-laws/ Relatives/Friends are accompanying us.
Moreover the holiday can also be gifted to someone. The members guests can avail
the holiday even if the member is not accompanying them. What better gift for your
Brother/Sister/Cousin/Friend who is getting married, than a honeymoon at a Club
Mahindra resort.
Limitations-
1. Have to stick to only Club Mahindra destinations Resorts are there at most of the
tourist spots but not at all the spots. So, if you want to go to a destination where Club
Mahindra is not present, you have to book some other resort by paying a huge
amount and at the same time your Club Mahindra nights could get lapsed if your
accumulated inventory goes beyond 21 nights.
2. A non member can book any of the hundreds of hotels/resorts that are there at the
holiday destination of his choice. So even if he does not get the hotel/resort of his
choice he can go to that destination by booking another hotel for the same dates. But
for a Club Mahindra member, if the resort at that destination is booked for the
desired dates, then that destination is ruled out for those dates. He either needs to
change his destination or the travel dates.
REPLY LINK
Common Sense October 3, 2012, 12:54 PM

When you calculate the Interest amount on White membership, calculate the rate per
night in White season. Rs.8000 per night is in peak season and the same room in off
season you get for Rs.4000/- or Rs.5000/-.
And after 25 years your amount that you have invested is become a BIG ZERO 0
But when you have put it in interest after 25 years you still have that Rs.2.6L that you
had put it in FD.
My friend made an online booking in club mahindra and got room for 5k in peak
season since they were not full..
And you are traveling only in their resort since you have bought their membership,
but if you have the amount in bank FD you can travel in different resorts, you dont
have to be stuck in club mahindra.
And if you go to any standard resort, you would get all better facilities like sterilizer
etc etc.. and gifting holidays These days you get wonderful offers for abroad trip
that works out cheaper than India trip sometimes.. So gift your relatives Abroad trip
rather than just gifting rooms to their honeymoon stay or whatever.. Give them a
paid holiday to Thailand or Malaysia and Genting..!! Which is better now u say, just
gifting room or a abroad holiday package?? and RCI.. You can actually call RCI and
become a RCI member and pay the nominal fees and holiday in any affiliated hotel..
it works out to be the same.
REPLY LINK
Amit Sidham October 11, 2012, 6:31 PM

1. In white season a Club Mahindra apartment is available anywhere between Rs. 5k
to Rs. 10k (including taxes) depending on the resort, for a non member booking.
Hence for calculation purpose I have taken an averge of Rs. 8k.
2. By investing 2.6 L in FD and holidaying on the interest amount is practically not
possible at a Club Mahindra or equivalent resort. Even if a 10% interest rate is
assumed, that FD will give an interest of 26k pa. I dont think one can get a 5 Star
resort room for 1 week even at current rates. Also every year the interest from FD will
be fixed (26k if at 10%) but due to inflation, the room rents will go up every year. So
one will have to pay over and above the interest earned from FD and over a period of
25 years that will be significantly higher than the invested 2.6 L.
3. As far as gifting is concerned, it is just common sense that one can also gift air
tickets alongwith a Club M holiday booking.
4. The International holiday packages that are cheaper than India trips are part of
group travels in 2 star hotels. No way can they be compared to the luxury, privacy
and comfort of a Club M holiday.
I dont have memories of any of the hotels that I have stayed at during my holidays
before hoildaying with Club M, but now more than 70% of my memories (as well as
the photos taken during holiday) are of the resort and just 30% of the destination.
If you have not holidayed with Club M, I would strongly recommend that you go once
to any of their resorts. You will realize what you have been missing in your holidays
till now.
REPLY LINK
BV December 4, 2012, 8:10 AM

Sales Pitch
I wish you had altered your text before pasting but after working in Marketing for 15
years I can recognise a sales pitch and can call it out.
One thing for sure, Im not buying Club Mahindra but calling RCI and becoming
their member!!
REPLY LINK
Syam December 25, 2016, 6:48 PM

You wont get the RCI membership directly
You need to have an Indian vocation ownership if you are a Indian citizenship.. dont
post such non sense if you dont know the product..
You can take the RCI membership in particular limited countries but you need to
have passport of which country you are residing..
I stayed lotzz of RCI properties through club mahindra membership.
Itzz double worth
Stayed Manhattans resorts near to Washington DC..its worth to take the club
mahindra membership
Per night cost of the property is nealy 55,0000/-
I stayed 7 night 2 BR Apartments itzz amazing holidays.
Now clubmahindra take over Europes largest resort company holiday club.. total 31
resorts newly added in Europe itself..total 77 now can you tell me how many
companies having these no RESORTS..
Club mahindra coorg both Virajpet, Madikeri, Pondicheany, Goa Varcca , Munnar,
Poovar, Ashtamudi,. Cherai,. Kanha, Hadgad Amazing and Rajasthan new property
in Jaipur amazing
My experience with clubmahindra resorts are amazing and baby care of these resorts
are appreciated
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Shib January 14, 2013, 2:30 PM

Not all resorts are great, leave being 5 star. Club Mahindra sales team does a lot of
mis-selling, that is a fact; they just try to trap innocent customers.
The resorts are good, but you dont get a reservation when you want so whats the
point!?! They want us to plan ahead of 6 months (now reduced to 4 months) but in
todays fast paced life, you cant plan so much in advance, even railway/airlines
tickets dont open up that advance.
REPLY LINK
Rajesh Premani May 19, 2013,

12:36 PM
Well pointed out friends. There are a few more aspects that I desire to point out in
addition to the valuable contribution made by all the intelligent readers of the lovely
article that has been painstakingly and honestly drafted after thorough analysis by
Mr. Hemant Beniwal.
1. The Mahindras are laughing their way to the bank. For one, Mahindras are
utilizing the funds received from customers like you and me, for acquiring/building
newer properties without borrowing at higher rates from the open market-place. This
makes them debt-free from day-one, and also eliminates any kind of risk associated
with mortgages that expensive bank-finance are accompanied with. Moreover, this
money is shown as revenues earned, and thus reflects as sales in the P/L Account.
Wonderful feeling for a business-man, where they are able to see sales revenues
being moved forward to the Balance Sheet Assets side, without adding up any kind
of mortgage ! WOW !!! Ask a seasoned business-person and he would tell you what I
mean.
2. Since Mahindras have already got advance revenues for services that they would
be providing in the near (or far, may I say) future, they are in better control of the
situation. For example, while planning for a vacation for a customer like you,
Mahindras would never tell you how many customers would you be COMPETING
with to get the desired accommodation. It is similar to the on-line booking of
Railways IRCTC. the number of passengers are not known to us, but we know for a
fact that within minutes the bookings are done with especially in the vacation season.
In short, Mahindras will never give you a benchmark on the total rooms, that would
be maintained per customer. Are they increasing the number of hotel rooms in
proportion to the newer set of customers acquired by them? Think about it ..
3. In a place like India, where customers are short-changed, and legal recourse is
tardy (to say the least), most of us have already experienced of being taken for a ride
numerous times in our lifetime. (Remember your nearest mobile services salesman
in whose hands you have been shortchanged? Or the bank? Or with Credit Card
services). Once money exchanges hands, in a place like India, we are left at the mercy
of of the Principal for offering us service. Now let us understand this. The time-share
concept of Mahindra seeks us to invest upfront for a fairly long period of time, like
32/25 years. Therefore, we are required to bear up with Mahindras for that long a
period, whether they give service to us or not. And if we do not get graded services,
what recourse do we have in case the services fall below expectations? Too long a
period, too much upfront money involved, services to be rendered over a very long
period of time (33/25 years), little recourse to customer complaints/consumer court,
no residual value !! Whats happening friends ?
Comments, please ..
REPLY LINK
KC August 5, 2014, 12:37 PM

very well written Rajesh.
And highly informative link on the gadbad ghotala going on at Club Mahindra. I have
already attended one of their sessions around 2 years, and was sure that something is
fishygoing by the overselling these guys do. I am saved, but my sister-in-laws
family is trapped with them.
REPLY LINK
Mukul Tyagi September 14, 2013, 3:26

PM
Amit Sidham is an employee of Club Mahindra Holidays, dont consider his

comments.
REPLY LINK
jitendra June 14, 2014, 2:37 PM

instead of buying club mahindra membership or keeping your funds in FD go for
Club mahindra shares. In 5 lakh you could have got 2000 shares and club mahindra
gave a dividend of 4/share plus shares got appreciated by 20% (now it is 300). total
earning of 8000 + 100000. You can use this money to go to the resort of club
mahindra which will inturn help your company sales grow and you get the same level
of holiday. Plus this is lifetime so till the time you hold the share, you are the owner
of the company.
Shares can go down in future but that risk is their on the first day as soon as you take
the membership.
REPLY LINK
Deepak M October 30, 2014, 11:50 AM
What a wonderful write up. But you just forgot to mention one thing aboveyou Club
Mahindra Emp ID no.
REPLY LINK
Raveesh Badoni February 17, 2015, 10:56 AM

Very nice from Common sense ! Club Mahindra Membership is useless, I also had
that and I threw that on their face.
REPLY LINK
deepa January 26, 2014, 5:39 PM

If u an advocate of KM , please help the trapped members to get the expected things
which are great
REPLY LINK
Himanshu March 31, 2014, 1:49 AM

Club Mahindra is just to trap the people with false promises and advertisement.
You pay in advance to slog and run behind them like beggars to get the holiday. Most
of the people do not get the holidays they want. Pathetic service and complete non
cooperation. They do simply do not understand customers.
Never buy this product. Simple
Simple calculation.
Anywhere in India you get room for Rs. 5000/- per day for 3 Star to 5 Star hotels.
Enjoy full freedom to chose from thousands of hotels.
Now you have below kitty every year to spend on accommodation
2.6 lakh /25 years = 10,000
Maintenance charges = 10000
Interest on 2.6 lakh = 2600
Total 22600
Enjoy 5 days in a year without any restriction and with full freedom.
Never go for Club Mahindra
REPLY LINK
subu June 20, 2015, 6:17 PM

We can get some club mahindra booking at 2000 only , there is no need of this
headache. If you dont truct try this number 09545454565 / 08237230804 there are
some advertisement we can google for the same.
REPLY LINK
Shobhit July 5, 2015, 12:27 AM

By the looks of your post.. You seem to me a sales staff of Club Mahindra..
REPLY LINK
harsha November 4, 2015, 1:53 PM

Amit i havr visited their yercaud resort. Its utter nonsense just a trampoline for
activities. You call this as experience. I am also a member. They are cheating
members by taking resorts like yercaud which are just useless and its not owned by
club mahinfra either.
REPLY LINK
Pratik October 28, 2016, 10:23 PM
But your first few lines require just one comment from me. With Club Mahindra, you
are blocked to that 8000 rupees studio, which is out of city, food is expensive, and
you can get better options in that price range.
Check out their Shimla/Mashobra resort. Is it in city? You want to visit Shimla. You
would hire a cab everyday? You take their Gangtok property. Its really out of city.
Food is so expensive. You would take a cab to travel to Gangtok everyday? Or would
you prefer staying in Mayfair in Gangtok? Highly rated and really comfortable, etc.
So 7 nights stay is under 40K. But you are free to choose wherever you want to stay,
without worrying about ASF, or Utitilizing your holidays. Bla bla.
Club Mahindra is the shittiest thing I have ever invested in. Just because of
references I had to, otherwise, I wouldnt pay a penny for this junk.
REPLY LINK
o desikan narayan October 3, 2013, 12:26 PM

Hemant is bang on about club mahindra. i also had a 1br white season since 2008
and this season is next to useless, i was pursuaded to graduate to studio red . so i
booked for Shimla in peak season ie may and when i reached there, I got a peep into
their arrival sheet lying at the reception and guess what ? 70 % of them were white
season holders !! So how did they get in peak season in Shimla when i was refused
with white membership ?
simple , they will say booking is full even if you are entitled to the season and then
sell your rooms to travel agents who will give any white membership no and everyone
makes merry and you are sitting at home with your red season card in front of you !
When i called up to complain they said yes sir we are looking into it and get back to
you !!!
When they call you for upgradation to purple the sales guy says sir I will get you any
daate anywhere including the december -new year holiday period !!
this is how they fool you. I have aalso been trying to sell my red studio membership
with 21 days balance also but no takers as eveeryone has wised up !!
REPLY LINK
Bobby February 27, 2014, 8:42 AM

Hi,
Can you share you contact details
Might be interested in purchasing your membership
Thanks
REPLY LINK
mangesh shinde May 1, 2014, 5:15 PM

Hi,iwant to sell my membership,it is for ten years.if intrested please call 9923021414
REPLY LINK
prabhu August 25, 2014, 12:17 AM

hi im a club mahindra member i have 23 years balance fr white stu
intrested please mail
REPLY LINK
Man0178 September 23, 2014, 3:26 PM
Hi I am interested to buy CM membership white studio, Please send me your offer at
email man0178@gmail.com
Thanks
REPLY LINK
Maheen September 30, 2014, 1:40

AM
Hi I am interested to buy Club M membership white studio, can you please send me
your offer at email drmaheen@gmail.com
Thanks
REPLY LINK
Parvathi December 16,

2014, 9:32 PM
Hi, I am a Club Mahindra member for last 5 years. I have Red Studio
membership with balance of 20 years and 12 days holiday balance. Any one
interested in buying it may please contact me with your offer price.
Thanks.
REPLY LINK
Ritesh January 1,
2015, 4:56 PM
Hi Parvathi, I am interested in buying Club Mahindra Studio Red. Please reply with
your expectation on my mail id : r2_urfriend@yahoo.co.in
REPLY LINK
mohan June 16,
2015, 3:42 PM
Please call me at 9810269034 if you have club mahindra membership for sale
REPLY LINK
Anand jain May

8, 2016, 10:30 AM
how much you want
Anand jain
delhi
9810417822
REPLY LINK
Jetson
Michael October 14, 2016, 7:03 PM
I want to buy the membership
REPLY LINK
Gitesh Agrawal October 3, 2014, 10:51

AM
Hi, I m interested in white studio.please send me cost details

at giteshagr@yahoo.com or can reach me at 9923694548
REPLY LINK
A K PANDEY November 23,

2014, 5:47 PM
I am interested in selling my CM membership white studio with 21 days balance and
valid till 2034 at a discount. Please contact with your proposal
A K PANDEY
9444305169
REPLY LINK
vipin December 24, 2014, 3:09 AM

I am interested in selling my CM membership white studio with 7 days balance and
valid till 2039 at a discount. Please contact with your proposal.
vipin
00974 70485950
REPLY LINK
vishal January 3, 2015,

5:45 PM
send me your offer @ vishalgargibmt@gmail.com

REPLY LINK
Manoj January 7,
2015, 5:21 PM
I want to sell my Red Studio membership with 23 days and valid till May2036. Please
send me your proposal.
REPLY LINK
Vivek Marc
h 10, 2015, 10:52 AM
Please send your lowest offer as I am interested in same.

REPLY LINK
Gandhar Jain March 21, 2015, 6:24 PM

Kindly send your best offer at gg.rash@gmail.com
LINK
Mohame
d shah August 4, 2015, 5:24 PM
Hi I am interested in buying club mahindra membership.. pls tel me ur price
contact 9080047470
shahjewells@gmail.com
REPLY LINK
Swatesh
November 28, 2016, 9:36 PM
Send your offer
REPLY LINK
Akash Deep
Agrawal January 12, 2015, 1:02 PM
Please send your lowest offer for white studio as I am interested in same.
Regards, Akash 09718321515,bharatphoton@hotmail.com
REPLY LINK
Nisha P March 11,

2015, 6:25 PM
Hi I am interested in red studio.Kindly send the best offer

to nishachandran84@gmail.com
REPLY LINK
Parthasarathy April 1, 2015, 8:27 AM
I have a 2 BR red
Asf Paid uptodate incl what is required today
Quote a % of the available years plus holidays available as your price
I am in chennai
I can transfer at Chennai or Bangalore
Tel 9385374268
REPLY LINK
Nisha July 18, 2014, 12:39 AM

Facing a similar situation . Feeling so cheated and miserable. Is there somebody who
can help us get justice by filing a case as they take 60% of the money for a
membership which i have never seen. They are cheats . I never got my holiday when i
wanted even after taking a red 1 BR. They tell me that they would do a robust
mapping and let me know if they can book me up if any cancellations come up It
never happened for two years in a row
REPLY LINK
Suhel October 10, 2014, 8:21 PM

As it is availability is low in peak season. They are Enticing people to become
Member, Just imagine the scene in couple of years. Can we do something about it.
REPLY LINK
Harsha July 17, 2012, 11:19 AM

Dear Hemant,
Very well written article and good points indeed.

Many of my friends have opted for this, I was sure I wouldnt need this, but since so
many are into it, I thought if I was wrong in not going for it but your article makes
me feel good that my decision was right.
May be out of context: there are a few things that these businesses try to lure
customers through, which I just dont like, one of which is:
They pick up mail-ids and phone numbers from Raffle coupons in malls etc, and
make bogus calls: ..Sir, you are the winner of so and so, through the Raffle draw.. If
you end up believing in the caller, you will be asked to attend a session for 2hrs after
which you are promised your prize. This session is about their properties, benefits of
membership etc at the end you are forced like hell to swipe your card and therez not
much prize which was mentioned in the phone call.
Regards,
Harsha.
REPLY LINK

Hi Harsha,
Peer pressure plays a big role in purchase & most of the time it leads to mistakes.
Tupperware is a big Multilevel Marketing company & their sales strategy revolves
around social gathering or kitty parties
Warren Buffett said A public-opinion poll is no substitute for thought.
REPLY LINK
popo November 12, 2012, 5:46 PM

Ya, it reminds me of AMWAY. not only social gatherings but also with a loud
Prayers.seems like amways are religious base company digging wealth from deep
inside safety pockets with their slogan PRAISE THE LORD and finally disapeared
when their loot is over with a silent bye bye prayer hehe.
REPLY LINK
o manjunath May 4, 2013, 3:37 PM

I had also visited on 2 similar occasions the country vacation on call mentioning that
my no. was selected among the lot. when they are not able to even offer a coffee for
the couple how they can give gifts and voucher. the moment you are stepping back
they will just hand over a roadside gift which is not equivalent to your drive and time
spent with them.
REPLY LINK
GM Keeda July 17, 2012, 11:22 AM
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP!
REPLY LINK

Hmmm taunting
REPLY LINK
Asmita Singh July 17, 2012, 11:23 AM
I totally agree that Club Mahindra is biggest cheat. Dont expect anything from them
as they will only ask for more and more money.We bought their membership in Oct
2008 and cancelled it in March. We were not informed about their look up time of 10
Days and their documents came after around 20 days or so.
They are biggest cheat .We cancelled the membership and didnt get any refund.
They didnt cancelled the membership and kept persuading us to continue.They
finally got our approval that we will continue the membership in March 2012 as I
remember.The person committed that he will be providing us holiday before our ecs
starts but nothing such happened and we ended up paying around 20K again.
Please please dont ever do this mistake to buy their membership.
They are big fraud. I talked to talk and get this resolved even with higher
management but its all waste.
It has become a nightmare for me as so much money around 73k ,I have wasted and
you feel foolish being cheated by such big company.
Please let me know if someone has ever got refund from them.If yes How
REPLY LINK

Hi Asmita,
You will be shocked to know for them 10 days is from clearance of cheque rather
than document dispatch or received. They dont have anyone who is interested in
listening to you. Let me share the last mail that I market them but even that was
not replied.
#############
Dear ABC,
I must remind you that my matter of membership upgradation case is 7 Months
old(May be its just 7 mths for u but I believe to solve this its a very long period)
In this period other then email reminders, I called you & your office more than 15
times. I also personally visited your branch thrice. I never heard any concrete answer
but only filthy excuses. It only wasted my time & money.
Last time when I visited your office on 8th Aug, you told me this will be done in 2
days.(But I dont know which 2 days)
You told me to deposit differential amount & I believe I deposited it without any
hitch.
SBI Bank CHQ No.000000 Rs 2530(23-07-2008) &
CITI Bank Card Ref. No. 00000 Rs 2530(08-08-08)
I dont know why you took this amount twice.(Rs 2530)
Whenever I called your office they told me sir aapka kam to ho gaya hoga, letter
aane wala hoga You never followed the matter.
I know you are not going to solve this matter. This is just to inform you that if this is
not done before 10th Oct 2008.
I am not having any choice but to take help from Consumer court. I know this is not
going to make any difference to you bcoz I am not the only one who is in pain. But
certainly I will be satisfied.
Club Mahindra: The Happiest Family Holidays(What a Joke). I never expected this
from Mahindra Group.
REPLY LINK
o vivek April 10, 2013, 12:36 PM

better one should go with country club
really much much much better
REPLY LINK
Sunil November 3, 2013, 5:02 PM

Country Clubwhat a Crap..generally I dont blog or comment in the internet but this
is rediculous to have someone compare Mahindra and then sell Country Club as a
substitute. They are the biggest cheats around when mis selling.
To regards to Mahindra, its purely a choice one as a to make while investing in his
vacation. Today I can safely say that its the best India can offer in terms of Holiday
membership. If someone doesnt like it, well it justifies the reasons.
I am a business men and very calculative when it comes to investing money. Kindly
first thing dont compare investing into holiday to a FD it doesnt compare. If thats the
way it is, then I can invest the in Stocks and become a millionare.
Regards to me i have been a member since 2005 then they had only 9 resorts.Now
they count 40+. I have utilized around 40 days of holidays. The major factor to buy
was meets your expectation in terms of the facility, rooms, space and other items
when one looks while travelling with family. Now one can argue we could travel by
booking on need basis. Can someone try booking online, you would be suprised 50%
times you are dissatisfied with value of money when you actually reach the place. Out
of the 10 resorts we have visited they have deviated only once to our expectation (3
star to 5 star). Therefore what I see is convinence and hassle free traveling with my
kids and family. If you are a person who travels and wants to see places suggest to
self plan and dont waste your money on Mahindra.
Lets check a hypothesis, suppose Maindra adds in 6 years another 20 resorts and
then calculate the value you pay today, you might be suprised like I did. I dont look at
this as a FD versus Investing in Mahindra. You need to find your own value (other
than money) to buy Mahindra. Otherwise please dont invest if you dont know what
you are getting into. I have already break even with quality family time I am able to
have without worrying what I need to do for booking similar places.
REPLY LINK
Amit July 12, 2014, 3:26 AM

Another loyal Mahindra employee boasting and vouching for his companyfurious
to see compitetors name getting praised by someone!! :D:D
My thoughts: Mahindra or Country Vacations: all are same.

REPLY LINK
siba June 20, 2015, 6:31 PM

All the time there is no availability what is the use of this member ship?
You pay ASF , all amount you see your holiday gets lapsed what are the options left
for you ..? Its a complete un ethical company ,
REPLY LINK
o subu June 20, 2015, 6:57 PM

lets try to join together atleast 20 to 25 members to fight for this corruption. I sure
we can bring this to the notice of media engage couple of guys to publish in every
forums if they dont give back our money. id strongly suggest pl create a common
mail id or a excelsheet where every one can share their suggestions and well try one
by one.
REPLY LINK
ASHU November 25, 2015, 12:02 AM

HAVE WE REACHED AGAINST THEM ANYWHERE SUBU???
ARE U DOING ANYTHING AGAINST THEM.
REPLY LINK
Pratik Baindur July 17, 2012, 11:43 AM
A very good and informative post. Actually I was also attracted by the presentations
and the freebies given by Club Mahindra. But later within 2 days I realized , that I
cant plan my holidays on conditions & availability of hotel rooms . I like to
experiment with my holidays, and plan it myself with lots of research. So I decided to
withdraw my membership within 48 hrs. Thank God , I got my refund.
REPLY LINK

Pratik you are Lucky guy
You wont believe even I realised this is a mistake in first 5 days I also took the
letter in writing that if I will not be satisfied they will refund my money. But I was
having no clue about such a deaf organisation.
REPLY LINK
o Akshay Doshi August 2, 2015, 10:57 AM

Hi Pratik
I bought the membership yesterdaybut after reading this blog, even I would want to
withdraw my membership. Could you please guide me on how did you withdrew the
membership and got the money refundedwould be really helpful
REPLY LINK
Dr. Nitin agarwal July 17, 2012, 11:56 AM
i also joined another country club membership in 2009. but soon i realised my fault
when they were not able to manage my vacation at required place. instead they
suggested another place.
i told them that my iw ould have my vacation according to my wissh, not theirs.
finally i was able to pull my money back after a slight deductions, tthat too after a gap
of 11 months.
after that i also suggested all my frnds not to get into these membership things.
REPLY LINK

Hi Dr Nitin,
I am bit surprised that lot of people have shared that they bought county club
membership I think price is the biggest factor.
REPLY LINK
o SATYA November 21, 2012, 10:28 AM

dear Dr.Nitin sir,
i am also in same problem.could you pl tell me how did you get back the money.
REPLY LINK
KULDIP MEHTA May 20, 2014, 4:33 PM

SAB MIL KAR COURT CASE KARTE HAI , MERE 2 LAC RUPE MARE HUE HEI
REPLY LINK
subu June 20, 2015, 6:51 PM

Kuldeep,
Thats a good idea atleast 20 to 25 members if we join with a determination i m sure
we can demand as a group that will carry a lot of values
I could see similar proposals from couple of forums lets join together in this forum to
share mailids and idea what are the options we can try one by one. Its a hard earned
money
REPLY LINK
Ramit July 17, 2012, 12:06 PM
Hi Hemant,
Sad to know that!
Another important thing.If you happen to visit outlets such as Big Bazaar or
Haldiram and you get approached by some one (representing country clubs or likes)
for providing your contact details for participating in a lucky drawDo NOT provide
them
I had a horrible experience with Country Club only when I casually filled up a small
form while having dinner at Haldirams with my family.
A week later I got a call and the guy said that basis your form you have been selected
for a free holiday for 2n3d anywhere in India and for collecting the same I need to
come at an address between 4-6 pm on a certain date. I almost decided to go but
detective in my mind started asking them questions like , why cant you send it over
the mailing address?, Why cant I come at any other time slot?Later the guy made
up a story that it is their 25th anniversary celebrations and hence they are calling all
winners together which lead me to further suspicion and I googled about their
existence in India and if 25th anniversary is trueI could not get any such
evidence.I finally informed him that if you want me to avail the service , send me
the voucher or I can come during weekends to collect the same to which he said sorry
he cant do this and had no explanation behind it !
Few days later I again got a call from the same guy saying I am still eligible and they
are holding another session. I did not pay much attention to him and simply told
him that I am not interested.
it was definitely nothing but an eyewash to mis sell the membership to me and after
reading Hemants experience , i am glad that I did the right thing !
Regards,
Ramit
REPLY LINK
o harika July 17, 2012, 2:21 PM

Ramit,
I appreciate ur decision!!never ever go for country club !!!
REPLY LINK

Hi Ramit,
Even my sister attended such session in Gurgaon she was very convinced about the
offering. But luckily she called me and I without even knowing the name of product
said runway without looking back. She followed my advice & saved her money but
she felt bad bcoz I have not explained her why she should not go for it.
REPLY LINK
KK July 19, 2012, 10:43 AM
Hi Ramit/Hemant,
I see no harm in accepting the winning voucher. You would get a free 2 Night stay at
one of their premium resorts. The goal is dont get tricked into buying the
membership from them. Just go through the presentation (wastage of 30 mins) and
then say you require time to decide whether you want to buy or not and in meanwhile
would visit the resort to check whether they are worth getting the membership or not
.
Book the resort months in advance, enjoy vacation, and then decide if you can plan
rest of your holidays in advance as well. Else just let them know that the
membership/resorts are not up to your expectation
REPLY LINK
Hemant Beniwal July 19, 2012, 10:12 PM

Hi KK,
Good idea have you tried it.
REPLY LINK
KK July 20, 2012, 9:23 AM

Yes,
I recently enjoyed the vacation in south India. We had go these voucher for the
second time; (the first time we wasted it as we couldnt plan in advance, so I really
wanted to experience what they want to sell for 1.5 L ).
The resort was fine; but I would say not the best as I have recently visited other
resorts which are much better.
Hence I suggest accept voucher, experience the vacation and then decide whether it
suits your expectations and if you can plan early evry time
Regards
KK
REPLY LINK
Hemant Beniwal July 20, 2012,

9:40 AM
Smart KK you are enjoying your holidays on our expenses
REPLY LINK
AJ August 27, 2013, 3:20 PM

I attended a session from Mahindra Holidays. I didnt accept the offer they provided
for membership. I havent received the gift vouchers for 2 nights and 3 days. Its only
waste of time.
REPLY LINK
Padmanabh Kini January 4, 2013, 2:19 PM

Sir,
I also got a similar call (from some other company) and I had gone to get the
voucher. I knew there would be some catch, but still went to give it a try. When I
reached their office, I was given a 2 hr presentation about the product and the pricing
etc. However I declined being their member because of the cost involved. Then the
representative said no problem, thanks for your time. I was surprised that I was not
given any voucher. So I enquired them about the same. Then the rep reluctantly
handed over a voucher to me. The terms and conditions shocked me.
1. The holiday cannot be taken on a weekend. Strictly weekday.
2. I will have to inform them 2 months in advance.
3. I will have to pay some taxes (1000 per night!).
REPLY LINK
Syamala September 15, 2013, 12:52 PM
Nice that you have come out with facts. I totally agree to your comments on them C
M, by sharing your views .They collect lot of money on Mentainance and every year
they increase there Mentainance charges. And moreover they always make members
dispoint by not providing the desire resort on vacation . They keep busy making new
members than satisfy old members. They should stope providing new memberships
because they were un able to satisfy old members that is because there are not having
SPACE . what i understand is that they wanted to buy and build properties and thats
why they want new members. But still they cant satisfy Member.
I agree on one think is that they got good properties . But in remote places.
Syamala
REPLY LINK
Ajith December 9, 2013, 12:44 PM

Country club is cheat. I have attended the meeting and collected the voucher. But
after collecting it I came to know that you can only go in off season and choice of
resorts are only 3. Also you have to pay Rs.7000 fees for that 7 days ( for a gift
voucher). So I ignored the holiday plan.
REPLY LINK
hanish May 31, 2014, 5:30 PM

Hello all,
even i have attended country club presentation twice and availed vouchers. There is
no harm in that. I went to Hydrabad for a week and Goa for 4 nights. They give
vouchers so u can have first hand experience of there resorts/hotels as well as for
spending your time with them. But its not a bad deal. My experience had been good
but same time i never purchased any membership.
REPLY LINK
kailash July 5, 2014, 6:21 PM
dear
when i travel through GULF air and i book the ticket through VISA card.
this airline company gave all my details to third party. i got call from goa to have 5
days stay in resort just for 15,000 rs
i consider good deal i pay.
yes i got my resort booked i stay there , bub i over looked conditions , i agreed to
attend the seminar ,
i swear they bug my head. 8 hours they are just bagging money around 3 lakes. and i
have to lesson all that 8 hours. its was same offer as Mahandra culb.
i recommend never ever accept these offers, nothing is free in this word.
if you want enjoy your vacation. pay for it direct, and not use these offers
REPLY LINK
roshan shetty November 10, 2012, 11:51 AM

hi hemant!!thanks for the analytical article.i was approached in a mall in Chennai by
Club Mahindra salesperson around 3 years back for the membership.i received an
the fee details that you have shown above.i found it a bad deal especially the annual
maintenance fees irrespective of usage.as you have said it is like endowment plan
,once taken ur stuck with a bad deal for life!!
REPLY LINK
Rahee May 12, 2014, 11:29 PM

I normally check reviews before buying any product or offer. I go with the philosophy
that nothing comes for free and dirth cheap,,,the way normally they tend to sell you.
Checked this too and the answer was a BIG NO to their products as it was 1) bonded
2) misuse of our trust creating frustration 3) thirdly not my types!!
Thanks Hemant and all others for your review. Appreciate!!
Hope this thanks bring in some relief you did to others and bad for them as they
deserve it.
REPLY LINK
o Punit July 20, 2012, 11:01 AM

I have received many such calls in past.
Out here in Pune, these folks stand in parking slots at Malls and Multiplex and they
ask for your name and number. They say that there is no parking fee but you just
need to provide your name and number. You feel that this may be the mall authority
(you dont think through in detail as you are rushing for your movie or something).
And then a few days later they call you in exact same fashion and request you to come
to some office.
I have been lucky to stay away from this so far since it all sounded too easy and too
fishy to be really true.
REPLY LINK
o manjunath May 4, 2013, 3:41 PM

same story with just happened today and before I could read this I decided to
dropout
REPLY LINK
o Ankit July 31, 2014, 1:13 PM

Absolutely. Never ever fill those details.
They are just capturing details. No doubt they will be giving you those 3n2d stay for
sure but you will have to pay for taxes and food. End of the day it is only helping
them.
REPLY LINK
Ramanand July 17, 2012, 12:46 PM
Yeahwhen they say come and bring your cheque book with you, thats your cue
right theresay thanks and wish him a good day!
Also, your point about name/address solicitors for lucky draw in malls, please realize
that even if it were a genuine lucky draw, what is the actual transaction thats
happening? You are giving your name/address/other info definitely to him, while he
has no obligation to give you anything. On a purely deal basis, you are giving up
something for sure, with no surety of receiving anything in return. A sort of gamble.
Are you a gambler?
REPLY LINK

Hi Ramanand,
Insurance companies have a selling concept which they call venue sale they call
on random number from telphone directory & announce you winner. They share that
you have won Rs 1 Lakh Accidental Insurance people think ONE LAKH Insurance
but premium for this product is just Rs 50. In the evening they convince these people
to buy ulips.
REPLY LINK
Pravin July 17, 2012, 12:51 PM
Dear Shashank
I am also club mahindra member. I am fully agree with lot of issues you have
mentioned. as you are financial expert you hv analysed it well. I hv not thought on
those financial aspects but definitely getting a proper booking is a headache in club
mahindra. it is not possible to book that much well in advance as I am in business.
food is very expensive. but properties are very beautiful.
REPLY LINK

Hi Praveen,
Even I agree properties are nice & well maintained even interiors are very good.
But they are still not able to deliver the overall promise they have made. Even this
month I went to Kumbhalgarh next month booked for Nawalgarh
REPLY LINK
sreekar July 17, 2012, 12:57 PM
I was about to buy the Mahindra Club Memerbership within few weeks !!!
Now i have to re-think my decision thanks for the information
REPLY LINK
Hi Sreekar,
Dont depend just on my review check your requirement & match with club
mahindra membership.
REPLY LINK
o Bhushan July 18, 2012, 8:29 AM

have to rethink ??? I hope you have decided now not to buy this
I was also given a offer in last week of March to buy this before price shoots up. I
searched for review of mahindra holidays in google and found so many stories of
people getting cheated, that I didnt even think about buying any of these
memberships. It saved me lot of money and peace of mind.
Another point. After reading the reviews, I got so disgusted with Mahindras that I
have since sold all the M&M and Tech mahindra shares I had bought. They may or
may not be ethical, but if one of their group companies is unethical, I do not want to
be associated with others as well. Trust me, I love Mahindra scorpio that my friends
own, but I will not buy it simply because of mahindra holidays. Love to keep away
from them.
REPLY LINK
Hemant Beniwal July 19, 2012, 10:15 PM

Hi Bhushan,
I think we should not make opinion about all their products on basis on one bad
experience. People are having pathetic experience with HDFC Online term plan but I
still feel they are awesome when it comes Home Loan, MF & Bank.
REPLY LINK
jairaj November 3, 2013, 3:52 AM

A sales guy from club mahindra, who spoke in my mother tongue (kannada) was sent
by the club to try and cheat me. lol. It turned against him, since I dont speak
kannada, as I grew up in Mumbai. Besides, our firm had bad business experience
with one of the directors of the M-seal division, a cheapo by name Ramesh
Mahindra, so I was damn sure I didnt want to involve with these thugs. But
nevertheless, I needed to look at the brochure, which I kept, and stopped the cheque.
lol. Imagine the frustration of the sales guy. I think you guys should put up a PIL for
refund in the consumer court. I was smart, but too many of you got cheated. Touring
is not only about a stay in a five star, it is about your freedom. If they cant give it to
you, they should refund your hard earned money. Call up bloomberg , or cnbc tv18.
they would gladly take up your cases. It is an insult on our intelligence to get
swindled by corporate thugs who are always a threat to our hard earned money.
REPLY LINK
Sameer July 17, 2012, 1:05 PM
Thank you and Ramit and Hemant for those vaulable advice. I have been a frequent
visitor to Big Bazaar for my grocery shopping and I have come across innumerable
types of guys who sell these time share holiday plans. I am also an avid traveller,
taking week long holidays once a year. But now looking at your experiences, I would
rather book a tour package every year, rather than spend all that money on those
time share holiday plans. Thanks again.
REPLY LINK

Hi Sameer,
Its definitely better to keep our options open even on short notice one can plan his
holidays that too with wide choices. Unfortunately timeshare members dont have
this liberty
REPLY LINK
Mohan July 17, 2012, 1:09 PM
Hi Hemant,
Myself too a victim of country vacations limited. I was missold.
Is there a way to exit now ?
REPLY LINK

No Idea.
REPLY LINK
Harshavardhan Bhusari July 17, 2012, 1:20 PM
Hi Hemant,
Thanks for the eye opener on Club Mahindra. Not many people share their
mistakes. I am sure many people like me, who have not subscribed for such offers,
will ever think again.
On a lighter note, as I am viewing this webpage, the advertisement of Sterling
Holidays is appearing on top. Moreover, they are also offering a LCD tv Free. A link
to Club Mahindra Holidays is appearing as well. I find this genuinely hilarious and
cant stop smiling. Understand the business compulsions
REPLY LINK

Hi Harshvardhan,
Not many people share their mistakes that doesnt mean they dont do mistake.
There is no harm if people can learn from my mistake rather than doing their own &
learning the expensive way.
Definitely I learned a lot from this mistake & it is actually helping me in improving
my personal financial life
REPLY LINK
sheetal April 2, 2014, 9:10 PM

Hello hemant,
Today only we had same meeting
for 2 n and 3 day gift package n almost
2 hr session as most of the people had.
We agreed for the 10% payment for
membership and one holiday.
of total 9 nights in a year.
Then to decide for membership.
Thanks I searched and saw the review
REPLY LINK
niraj July 17, 2012, 1:28 PM

These are the things available in the market wherever to utilise the someones long
savings & get misleaded by the promotions.
Knowledgeable case article. nowadays certain chances of anyone to get trapped by

such products.
REPLY LINK

Thanks Niraj.
REPLY LINK
KK July 17, 2012, 2:03 PM
I do agree with the points you have mentioned for not buying these memberships.
We have twice been offerred free holidays (one of which we were able to redeem
recently with planning been done 4-5 months earlier). Thank fully we didnt get
convinced by them on WHY to buy this membership, when there are lot many sites
offering dicounted vouchers. Also we studied that the number of resorts they have
are not enough for 25 yr long duration. Even if some one spends EXTRA amount in
renewing their RCI membersip, even then the number of places would be limited,
only suitable for those having kids who want to just RELAX and think about visiting
same places again and again, not for those who want to explore new places
everytime.
One point I disagree is about food: The food is really cheap. Dont go in for Buffet
(which are quite expesive), only go for a-la-carte, and you can have a good 3- course
meal for two in Rs 500 700.
I recently enjoyed the trip in one of the places in south India, and tasted the North
Indian food prepared in proper manner, giving a feeling that you are having the meal
some where in North itself.
REPLY LINK

Hi KK,
I have tried a-la-carte servicing is very slow. I was listening to interview of Club
Mahindra CEO he was sharing that internationally people prefer going to same resort
every year but Indians want something new every year
REPLY LINK
KK July 20, 2012, 1:48 PM

Yeah thats True
REPLY LINK
harika July 17, 2012, 2:16 PM
Hi Hemanth,
My biggest financial blunder falls in the same line as urs..i took a membership in
country vacations.i realized later when i was to book a holiday that all the promises
that they made were crap..in a way club mahindra is more genuine than country
club.name a place they say that they have a property before u take the membership
but later i came to know that they have properties mainly in metro cities,when i
asked for a booking in ranthambore cc staff were suggesting me to go to bandipur as
that is the only property they own in a wild life sanctuary(so,they mean that when
ever i feel like spending a vac cation in a forest i must go to bandipur where ever i am
in india). and the options they give for me ( hotels tied up with country club) were c
rated & i would get that at a cheper rate than qouted by them if i book it through
some travel agents like expedia..i fought with management siting all the false
promises but they never came to my help in any sense & i contacted akosha but they
too were of no help to me..i lost 75k through this..can anyone suggest if there is any
way in which i can get atleast a part of money back??it was a good lesson & an eye
opener for mei wish more & more people know about this & would not do this
mistakecountry vacations a big fake companyi wish there was a supervising body
to check such service providers..i feel people who know the reality should spread the
news to save some others from falling into their trap
REPLY LINK
o subaprasanna July 17, 2012, 6:15 PM

Hi,
Even my father did this blunder of purchasing from country vacations and he did not
know how to use it. he bought it in 2003 and till now he has not used even single
vacation. They say you can only sell it and they are not helping us to sell also. My
father is receiving from country club an account statement stating that he has to pay
AMF for country club. He purchased country vacations and where did this country
club membership came we did not know. they said when we purchased country
vacations u can use country club for 3 years free and he did not use it also. now every
year they are sending remainders to pay AMF from 2004 to till this year. My father
was also trapped in an exhibition!!
REPLY LINK
Sanjay Thorat October 30, 2012, 12:18 PM

I too am victim of Country Vacations mis-selling. Thanks god that I bought it only for
5 years (Rs. 90,000).
This is how they missell:
1. They call couple for the discussion, as there are more chances of fooling one of
them and making them emotional.
2. They play loud music during sales discussion which creates a hypnotizing effect.
3. They lie very confidently in a hypnotizing environment.
Regards,
Sanjay
REPLY LINK
Naxit Parekh July 17, 2012, 3:28 PM
We also had the same experience, luckly we used the 10 days period to cancel the
deal, but we did not got the full payment back, In India time sharing Facility also
need some kind of regulatory boady like SEBI and it should be brought under mis
repesantation of product. People should go to Consumer court. Members can make
some group and dirctly sale their un used time and get money, there are many more,
who have not brought the membership but love to use club Mahindras property,
atleast club mahindra has good property, others are really in soup.
Regard.
REPLY LINK

Hi Naxit,
Can you share what was your refund amount in %. And why they denied the full
payment.
REPLY LINK
Jaywant July 17, 2012, 4:37 PM
Hello Hemant,
I also got a membership in one of the holiday provider: Bajaj Highland Holidays and
it is totally waste of my money. I believed in the name bajaj and thought it must be
good deal. I got the membership for 5 years and for 35k. It is totally waste of money
and since last two years I did not optfor any vacations through them because they
hardly have any hotels under their umbrella. I tried doing booking 2-3 times but due
to their pathetic service couls not book any. I really feel cheated and really wish to get
my money back but unfortunately there are no such possibilities. One cannot cancel
membership for Club Mahindra then it is just impoissible to cancel membership with
Bajaj Highland. If anyone has got any option please let me know.
REPLY LINK

Hi Jaywant,
Never heard of this company after reading lots of comment on this post, it looks
that Club Mahindra is still better.
REPLY LINK
Amit Shah July 17, 2012, 5:50 PM
I am also a member of Country club. As said by Mr Beniwal, the benifites of the

utilities depends from person to person. Vacations according to me has to be free
from tensions and boundries. But this kind of time share concepts are mostly very
much constrained. You have to be bind by many things before planning vacation with
them. In Fact My experience is the worst. In the first year itself i tried for three times
for the availability at different places but all in vainthen i was tired and didnt ask
any time again. Those who are planning to get membership with this kinda
concepts..please think 100 times before indulging in to it..According to me this is
the most hopeless kinda concept.Gross Cheating and playing with the mentality of
people.
REPLY LINK

Hi Amit,
I think country club has done some blunder their stock is down by 95% from its
high.
REPLY LINK
sunilkumar July 17, 2012, 6:28 PM
indeed, one must not fall prey to such things. If one has to spend holidaying any
where, one must do by traditional way of booking an accommodation as per ones
budget. At least one knows before hand what one is paying.
REPLY LINK

Hi Sunil,
Agree with you.
REPLY LINK
Vijay July 17, 2012, 6:40 PM
Hi Hemanth,
Thanks for the well analysed and eye-opening article Club Mahindra Membership is
my biggest Financial Mistake. Over the past several years I have toyed with the idea
of becoming a member, as the co. has pestered me a No. of times, but every time
something held me back as I did not get the desired transparency/satisfactory ans to
some of my Qs or doubts, lack of time and so on. Now that I have got the ans, thanks
to you, I am more aware and so will be many of my near and dear ones. Money saved
is money earned, and this will be better utilized elsewhere.
Look forward to more such articles.
Regards
Vijay
REPLY LINK

Hi Vijay,
I am glad this review cleared your doubts
REPLY LINK
Rajendra July 17, 2012, 7:53 PM
The truth told, very nicely. Really good informative Analysis.
REPLY LINK
Thanks Rajendra.
REPLY LINK
Biswajit Mukherjee July 17, 2012, 8:31 PM
Dear Hemant,
Really an eye opening story. I too was about to fall into such a trap 6 years ago.
But my good sense prevailed and even after spending nearly 2 hours listening to their
crap, I refused to listen further because I was disgusted by their poor sales talk. They
said they will not be able to give me the gift. I had foregone it and escaped unhurt
(realised after reading your article).
Surprising that was 6 years ago; God knows how many crores of fallen flat on these
misellings, as you say. Lack of regulators has made the same thing to be repeated
over & over.
Thanks.
REPLY LINK

Hi Biswajit,
My salesman was too smart he combined benefits of club mahindra & country club.
He told me that they are planning to open a new resort in your city in Mahindra SEZ
& as CM member you can avail the facilities same as country club. LOL
REPLY LINK
Ashish July 17, 2012, 8:43 PM
I took lifetime membership of country club in 2003 and so far I have visited their
place only twice (in the first month of taking membership)!!! The membership price
then was 15K (not too high), but I wish I had invested that somewhere else.
REPLY LINK

Hi Ashish,
Do you pay something on yearly basis to Country Club.
REPLY LINK
Ravi July 17, 2012, 11:58 PM
Oopzz. Club Mahindra ads used to impress me all the time!

Very truelife is too short to learn from our own mistakes.
Great article, thanks!
REPLY LINK

Rightly Said life is too short to learn from our own mistakes.
REPLY LINK
anna July 18, 2012, 1:56 PM
hi hemant.so after all u too are human !!! My dad also made a smilar mistake with
THE ROYAL GOAN BEACH CLUB. They have 4 luxury resorts in GoaSo every year
u can visit only Goa- The best of these 4 resorts is always overbookedLot of
foreigners ( Non-members) & as u said annual maintenance charges of the villa
( the one we never stay at) to the tune of 20,000. Over & above, this payment shd be
only by credit cards !!! They also claim abt RCI affiliation, but u cannot exchange ur
holiday anywhere else unless u r a RCI member& still u get the resort & destination
of ur choice if u book a year in advance
Nw we stopped paying the annual charges & have let our membership lapsewe do
get letters form them saying we r amongst few priviliged clients who can renew
their membership at nominal penaltyThe penalty is almost 10% of the annual
maintenance charges.
Conclusion- Always have the flexibility of planning ur vacation !!! Plan oneselfno
such clubs !!!
REPLY LINK

Hi Anna,
I think its clear cheating by these clubs when they dont have inventory & they sell
membership. Then they expect that members should pay yearly maintenance what
a business
REPLY LINK
Shirish July 18, 2012, 2:29 PM

Hi Hemant,
Just one poke and you got a whole lot of dissatisfied customers. I fell for similar
scheme of sterling holiday resorts several years ago. Availed of the membership only
2-3 times. It is still active since it is for 99 years, but never bothered about it again.
Club Mahindra offered to swith my membership from sterling to theirs with some
more payments. FORTUNATELY I DID NOT FALL FOR IT.
Your story is an excellent example of how even a financially erudite person can still
make wrong financial decisions. Such is the travesty of human nature. Nobody is
perfect, so dont feel sad about it. Many thanks for sharing. Usually success is a
public affair and failure a private funeral, but not with you. Cheers!
REPLY LINK

Hi Shirish,
Again Sterling is becoming active they have got some good funding from investors
including Rakesh Jhunjunwala hope members can get some benefit.
You may be right Usually success is a public affair and failure a private funeral, but
not with you. but I feel to err is human. Assuming that someone has never done any
mistakes in his life is again wrong
REPLY LINK
o Jagjeet Singh January 17, 2016, 12:11 AM

do u want to sell this 99 year membership.
If yes, please give me a call at +91-8447666442
REPLY LINK
Amit Dave July 18, 2012, 6:13 PM
Thanks Hemant.
I had bought Club Mahindra membership way back in 2007/2008.
I had been to a mall here in mumbai which hosts Club Mahindra office. I was taken
thru the entire presentation and it was a time when I was newly married.
We both were lured by the presentation and made a CC payment of 10,000/-
We went home and shared this with the family. I thank my dad who put his
experience in my head to cancel the membership. Next day I went to the same office
and asked for cancellation.
I was asked to go to the main office in Andheri east. I was there every morning back
to back 1 week.
Finally I managed to get the cheque of full amount and now after so many years I feel
so good about the fact that I did not continue and cancelled it.
It is nice to know that along with Insurance and MFs I also get to know how to save
my wealth from getting wasted.
A Complete Wealth Management Portal!!
Thanks again.
REPLY LINK
Thanks Amit for Sharing this.
REPLY LINK
Vandhana Karthick July 19, 2012, 12:38 AM
Excellent post and wonderful information to share with all..Like the similar I too
wasted my money with Country Club the Indias second largest fraud like this..Earlier
my father also lost amount in IGGI resorts which in Ooty with a link of Sterling
resorts mid of 1995 they have close all their resorts due to debt and mismanagement
by directors and promoters..Many follow ups and proofs for the payment made has
been shown to them but they never minded and finally my father fed up and forget
that money which is hard earned..Now I have done the same mistake with Country
Club.Sad and shame to do the same mistake which my father did.
REPLY LINK

Hi Vandhana,
Doing same mistake again n again is not good for financial health.
REPLY LINK
Sridhar Venkataraman July 19, 2012, 12:39 PM

At the outset, let me put out the full disclosure. I am neither speaking on behalf of the
Club Mahindra organization nor associated with the organization in any way. In
other words, I am not paid to do this submission.
Club Mahindra, like many other organizations, needs to sell the holiday concept and
they succeeded where Sterling Holidays failed. It takes quite a bit of effort to sell an
expensive thing like a holiday. I was influenced into buying it when they signed me in
front of a movie theatre (back in 2003) and their marketing folks came over and did
a good marketing effort. I was clearly impressed (it cost me 1.5 lakhs for a Red studio
then). I had to upgrade a couple of years later to a Red 1 BR because of the
restrictions with ages of children.
There are 2 payments involved, one is the lumpsum payment at the start and another
is the ASF you incur every year. It is important for people to understand the model
that they are signing up for. I think Club Mahindra is upfront about how it works but
people forget about it and get shocked when they are asked to pay the annual ASF
fee. The ASF has an inflation component associated with it and a service tax which
are both unavoidable. I would urge you to compare the rates of 4 or 5 star hotels over
a period of time to get a sense of why the ASF is index against inflation.
Coming to the experience in a Mahindra resort, I have been to their resorts in Goa,
Munnar, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Panchgani, Ashtamudi, Swamimalai and have been
impressed with a few things. The customer service at any of their owned or
associated resorts is excellent, something you pay a premium for. The location of
their resort like Munnar or Ashtamudi is just amazing. The food at their owned
resorts like Goa and Ashtamudi is simply one of the best and I compare this with the
experience of dining at five star restaurants. Sure, the cost of food is not going to be
cheap and you have to expect to pay a premium dining at those resorts. There are
good options like a total food package for a day for the whole family that makes it
lighter on the wallet but if people dont want to spend, they have the option of
cooking themselves. That is not the concept of a holiday, is it? There are additional
expenses that resorts have to pay for like the water supply (@ Munnar).
I dont have the background to comment about the ratio of rooms to memberships
but if there is a case that they are selling too many then definitely the organization is
answerable.
Let us come to bookings not being available. The primary reason is the customer.
Have you ever thought that the indian customer does a club mahindra like a railway
ticket reservation? The booking process did not have a restriction of simultaneous
booking (on same days) a year back but they have implemented that now which has
opened up some availability. They have also started to penalize the bookings if they
cancel closer to the actual date (i am not sure if they had the strict penalties before).
Do you ever complain when there is only so many tickets at a movie theatre and you
dont get a ticket at your intended time? I can understand if people are price
conscious but I dont take people kindly if they are stingy. I have seen people abuse
the Club Mahindra restriction of the number of people in the room by coming to the
resort and packing themselves as a big group in a small room. It costs more to
operate things like a swimming pool if people abuse the rules.
Sure, there are certain things that the management is answerable for, but I think it
was worth the experience for me given the fact that it forced me to take the holidays
(which I would not have otherwise). Club Mahindra is a premium experience. Let us
not forget, as a customer, what it takes to keep it as a premium. If you dont intend to
pay a premium, by all means refuse the membership.
REPLY LINK

Hi Shridhar,
Thanks for sharing your positive experience with Club Mahindra but I think I am not
that lucky. I clearly mentioned in the article that it was MY mistake so I am not
blaming anyone else but myself.
Let me share couple of incidence & it may look that I am the chosen one.
My first holiday was in Manali Resort it was not full fledged resort but was decent
hotel. Even services & food was good. (This was my free week which I got over &
above free TV)
My Second Holiday was at Kumbhalgarh it was horrible experience. I am sharing
couple of points that I mentioned in feedback & expected them to take action.
*It took us more than 1hr & 3 calls to get drinking water.(it happened thrice in 2
days)
*Pool was like a dirty village pond. We are not pigs.
*Other than breakfast, Fun Dine was garbage. Lunch & Dinner were literally
stinking. Complete waste of my money. I found a big human hair in my naan.
My 3rd booking was in Sariska they cancelled my august booking as resort was
close due to heavy rains. Then I got a mail that now resort has opened & I can do
fresh booking. I booked it for September & got the confirmation voucher. While I was
on the way to resort, I got a call from CM We are sorry to inform you but due to
some technical mistake, we are having more bookings than the inventory. We will try
to provide you rooms in some other hotel in that area. Luckily someone checked out
one day in advance else they planned to ruin our holidays.
You can call me stingy but can we call this a premium experience.
Selling more membership than available inventory is clear mis-selling/fraud &
management should explain their stand. (you can check these numbers on their
investor page)
I am not able to understand why you upgraded to 1 BR & paying more ASF, when
they give you flexibility to choose any type of room.
REPLY LINK
Sridhar Venkataraman July 20, 2012, 2:53 PM

Hemant,
I fully sympathise with you for the bad experiences that you had at Kumbhalgarh &
Sariska. There is no way I would want to excuse Club Mahindra for those horrible
experiences. I have not had those kind of experiences. I am not downplaying those
incidents btw. There are always bad apples and we need to get those problems
recognized by the Club Mahindra organization.
One thing that I would like people on this forum to do is to comment only after they
have used the product. Without getting into a relationship, it makes little sense to
complain about something they have never used. Your complaints are valid but many
others have just gone overboard in trashing a company based on the perspective that
the marketing or sales folks are out to rip everyone. Every company in India pays
peanuts to keep good marketing/sales folks and those folks get commissions only at
the expense of customers who take the product. We can even talk about LIC agents or
mutual fund agents who benefit mainly from commissions. As a culture, that is how
India works. There is a lot of income disparities that we have in India that need to be
fixed but that is a subject for a different discussion.
The reason that I upgraded to 1 BR was to keep the no. of days at 7. If you keep the
studio and book the 1 BR you get less than the 7 days commensurate with your one
time payment and ASF fee. I have not worked out the details but I am sure that they
would have factored all payments for your use case. Also, as any financial guy would
know, it is all in the fine print. It is the prerogative of the company to decide whether
they would like to keep the flexibility that way.
On the people who forego their subscriptions by not paying the ASF fee it looks silly
by losing the whole one time payment by not paying a smaller portion. Anyone does
good planning should factor in the one time payment + present value of all ASF
payments and see whether it makes sense at the beginning of the contract rather
than at the time of payment of ASF.
REPLY LINK
molty May 23, 2014, 4:12 PM

Sridhar yes you are right, only people who are members & who have used the service
should comment.
Im a white 1 bedroom member, which the sales executives hard sold to me, im a
businessman & therefore i was interested in figures, which they gave me & no as an
after thought i realize they were glamorized & dressed up to appeal nothing else.
Ill start first with my experience, ive visited a few of them & i would rate them
close to a 2 or a 3 star property no more, they are well kept & the staff is pretty
courteous but the pleasantries at there. At the resort their Food is very expensive &
just a shade above Garbage, the sex things up there also, by the way they present
their menus i remember when i was staying in Binsar the food they were serving was
half cooked most of the times & since that place has been declared a national reserve
there are no eateries around Mahindra, so we had at times had to drive like 20 odd
kilometers to get a decent meal, well so much for all the hype.
Now the real part where the rubber meets the road (getting a booking)
if one is lucky enough one may land a booking that too two months in advance, they
have now marked most of the seasons as red & very little white or blue remain, this is
to push white members to upgrade, i have been receiving their upgrade offers for
over 3 months now, their booking is just made to look transparent & basically an eye
wash, they ultimately control the availability roster & they get to fill available & not
available there, a club mahindra ex employee told me that they keep the log filled up
so they can sell it to non members & only members who come down to haggling &
make lots of noise get bookings otherwise he told me like an insurance company we
are trained to say no its not available.
They ask us to plan our holidays 6 months in advance, please tell me is it possible in
todays life to foresee that much in the future, I believe only Govt Employes &
Bureaucrats have this luxury available to them.
I AS A MEMBER OF CLUB MAHINDRA DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE TO
BUY THEIR HOLIDAYS, THEY SCAM YOU, CHEAT YOU & TOSS YOU AROUND,
THEY ARE A TYPICAL INDIAN COMPANY WHO KNOWS THEY WILL GET AWAY
WITH IT BECAUSE OUR LAW IS TOO TARDY & LAZY TO CATCH UP WITH SUCH
PEOPLE.
REPLY LINK
Rayan July 19, 2012, 8:01 PM
Hi Hemanth,
nice post. By reading this post i recalling the incident of last january. A group of
people visited our house & informed me that theyll provide a part time job for me.
For a hour he explained me about a product(same as above, that you brought. Even
he used our TV & DVD player for theire repentation). And its a membership to
PANCARD CLUB. Here you also get a investment option. Means money doubling.
And also %ge based commission, if you fool more people and make them join this
club(i mean mlm).
They also showed me lots of filled application forms by people and photo copies of
commission cheques.
But I politely refused to join by saying that I dont have time for part time job!
thank you.
REPLY LINK

Hi Rayan,
MLM guys are real salesman it really needs courage to make new members
everyday. I know 2 guys for whom this is a full time job they become member of
every new company & then approach their natural (friends & relatives) market.
Unfortunately I am part of their natural market sometime they even pressurize my
Mon & Grandma that ask Hemant to be member.
REPLY LINK
Ashmi July 20, 2012, 10:35 AM

fully Agree, These MLM guys will do anything to get you onboard. There is company
Qnet have similar Restorts Packages with the name QVI club.
Business mantra is getting money by Do nothing.
REPLY LINK
Ashok November 16, 2012, 3:40 PM

Ashmi, what do you mean when you say these MLM guys will do anything to get you
onboard and what do you know about QNet or QVI Club. Could you please elaborate?
REPLY LINK
Ruchir July 20, 2012, 12:04 PM
Hi All,
Even I happened to visit one of the Club Mahindra presentations way back in 2007 I
guess. I lot lured and took the membership on the spot. But after few days I realized
number of verbal commitments were made which were false. I asked for 100% refund
but it was declined. I had to fight my way out. I escalated issue to higher levels,
visited their main office at Andheri(E)few times. Finally after 3 months I got 100%
refund. It wasnt easy, I had to fight it out.
Request all to document every communication on email when dealing with corporate
for any issues, be it Club Mahinda, Vodafone or any other corporate giant.
All said done, for me best offering by Club Mahindra is the free 3 year membership
for RCI. RCI memberships saves lot of stay cost if you are a frequent international
traveler. On your own you cant get RCI membership, you need to be member of Club
Mahindra or Royal Goa Club.
REPLY LINK
o Nisha O K June 7, 2014, 3:43 PM

You are lucky you got your refund. However i am still fighting for my money back for
which they say 60% is non refundable.
REPLY LINK
Ram July 21, 2016, 1:17 PM
Hello everyone this ram here from Mumbai Im interested in buying club mahindra
membership if anyone willing to sell there club mahindra membership please contact
me on 9594745601
REPLY LINK
dr vikas khanna July 20, 2012, 12:08 PM
I am not a futuristic and planned traveler, so this is surely not meant for me
But they are joking when they say it is inflation free because of the point you made
and also if INTEREST OF THE DOWN PAYMENT for so many years is calculated!
And hemant it is also following the indian corporate culture by paying least attention
to AFTER SALES SERVICES, and the executives are like vultures trying to trap the
customer only for one time!!;)
REPLY LINK
Vivek July 20, 2012, 1:52 PM
Thanks Hemant for spelling out the things. There are many such experience but not
broght forward.
I had got a similar experience. It was with Greatindiatravels.
I bought 2N/3D for 3000+750 service charge.
I planned it to Goa for 1 month in advance. But hotels in the list were different than
the one offered. I asked for Sun Village Or Royal Beach Resort which was near to
Beach and accessable. But the one offered was Bela Rosa which is very interior and
not accesseble. In 2 days every time go out from hotel I had to ask 4 times for road to
come back.Any way I was having car with me but it is not a good experience. The
comittment at time of booking is not being followed by these operators.The amount
involved is less so I did not make any fuss about it.
Can any one from the loop recommend the resort operator of this kind having good
experience?
REPLY LINK
amit July 20, 2012, 1:57 PM
Hi Hemant,
i am regular reader of your website. I am a member of club mahindra. i bought it in

2006. I managed to bargin Purple Studio although they were only offering Red for
2.5 lacs. I spent good 3 hours with them and bargained for Purple Studio got 20K
food vouchers (i dont smoke/drink), 6 free weeks, HP pad (which was a new device
then..). So I did not spend on food for my first 2-3 trips.
My analysis
25 years 2.5 lacs.

Say with ASF (i paid 10K and odd this year) I end up paying 12.5 lacs over 25 years
(2.5 lacs + 10 lacs ASF) , divide this by 25 yrs. Its 50K for 7 days, which is 7200 for
day. Considering the resorts are amazing (atleast 4 star) , this price is cheap. Yes I
have not considered 2.5lacs interest that I would lose over 25 years (have learnt
some financial literacy from you-:)) but one can never spend if one starts counting
interest in everythingWith 4 star type resorts this is a good bargin..i think..One
needs to plan out in advance, be smart about food take ala carte or just dont eat
thereAgreed they do fib during marketing but being a finance literate I had kept
that piece of paper that guy was writing on and fought back and got what they had
promised.
Today any long weekend at lonvala costs 4K-5K atleast a night with food (decent
hotel). Trips have become expensive thanks to inflation. And with a kid now I can
only plan during school holidays which makes it even more expensive since its peak
season
People working on jobs (as I do..) would need a 7 day break in a year..of course
depends on ones financial situationatleast for me it has been a good experiance so
fartouch woodhave visited Mussorie, Yercaud, Kodai, Coorg, Thekddey,
Dharamshala.As you said it depends on your requirement, whether you like to
travel all 7 daysetc
REPLY LINK
Prakash July 21, 2012, 6:50 AM
When I wanted to go to Goa during peak season (Dec/Jan) and I approached them
for membership they gave me their story on colors for seasons and I immediately got
convinced that this is a very bad decision.
Whenever you want to buy something make the toughest of demands and see the
skeletons will come tumbling out of the cupboard without a lot of probing and try to
get something before paying anything and you will see their attitude change
immediately.
REPLY LINK
Atul July 21, 2012, 8:06 AM
Hi Hemant,
One of my closed friends tried to sell me the membership few years back. His
desperation was evident based on the continous followups he was doing. Reason give
by my friend was that he is moving overseas and hence wants to sell. I went back and
did lot of research, even calling Mahindra club office, agent.
Based on the data I received I did not go for it. I clearly told my friend and thanks I
did not get into trap.
Cheers
Atul
REPLY LINK
Dr Chirantan July 21, 2012, 8:40 AM
Just put that 25 years fee (8 lakh plus) to fixed deposit at the rate of 9.25% with
compound interest quarterly you will get 78,69,726 Rs at the end of 25 years. This
much they earn from you dear!!! And is it necessary that you will go traveling every
year? many vacations you might not get time, your child have exams, your wife gets
sick, you had to do extra-time in company and if you are doctor like me, forget all this
crap.. And one more thing, do you have club mahindra in every place you want to go?
Even if there is club mahindra, do they assure to get you a decent enough
accommodation as your payment? impossible By the way who can predict about
next 25 years? This is really eye opening, not only this, insurance companies,
investment planning schemes etc follow these principles
REPLY LINK
SATPAL July 21, 2012, 10:49 AM
Sir, i really like your words Learning from your mistakes is smart, learning from the
mistakes of others is wise. But learning from own mistake is really expensive.
i think this article will help me allot for future(after marriage & kids) financial
decisions.
Thanks sir
REPLY LINK
Ronnie Ninan July 21, 2012, 1:11 PM
Dear Mr. Beniwal,
Thank you for taking your time out to share your thoughts on this page.
Further to the above posts, please find below our responses.
1) Amount and Time involved is huge:
We confirm that the details of the product along with features and the guidance on
how to use the same have been provided in detail during the time of presentation. At
this juncture we would like to bring it to your attention that the time involved to
confirm a reservation has come down considerably taking into fact that reservation
can be 1 day in advance of check-in as you aware subject to availability. In terms of
ease & time involved in using your membership, you can now check real time
availability, book your holidays, get alternate holiday options automatically, make
payments & cancel your holiday online in your member section
@ http://www.clubmahindra.com anytime, anywhere. We also have a strong
member on-boarding process during which members are re-confirmed.
2) It doesnt suite my type of person, who doesnt want to sit & enjoy:
Being a member of Club Mahindra, you have access to 42 + resorts across India and
Abroad. Keeping the interests of our members in mind we have a variety of resorts at
different type of locations/regions. To quote a few examples, while we have a lot of
traditional destinations like beach resorts @ Goa/ Pondy, Hill stations @ Coorg/
Munnar, we also have Jungle resorts @ Corbett/Gir, Water-front properties @
Ashtamudi/Poovar, International destinations @ Bangkok/Pattaya/Austria/KL &
Desert Resorts @ Kumbalgarh / Nawalgarh. We also have a full-fledged activity
center in all our resorts where we have activities for all age group which includes
treks, tours & unique activities based on each location. Our resorts are catered to suit
all types of persons fun loving, adventurous, nature lover etc.
3) It was mis-sold lots of things were hidden and misrepresented:
We would like to inform that we have a strong member on-boarding process. We

understand from our records that after taking the membership on 20/02/2008, our
team has contacted you for a Welcome Call on 28/02/2008 during which the entire
product information was re-confirmed. The Welcome letter carrying the product
information was dispatched on 26th Feb, 2008 and membership kit was dispatched
on 10th March, 2008. Therefore we hope that we have clarified your misconception.
4) I am frugal when it comes to food on a trip and they charge me bomb for that:
We have 2 different type of dining choices for our members one of which is fun
dining (buffet system) and ala carte (Menu based). The buffet & alacarte rates are
offered with 25% discounts on regular rates, which is an exclusive member privilege.
You must appreciate the fact that the quality and variety of the food offered at our
resorts are audited by the Food, Safety and Standard authorities. We would also like
to state that many of our resorts are accredited to Resort Condominium International
(RCI) who has certified our resorts as Gold and Silver Crown accordingly.
Club Mahindra Membership Annual Subscription Fees (ASF)
Club Mahindra claims their membership is Inflation Free but other than one time
fees members have to pay annual subscription fees (irrespective of usage), depending
on type of room they own. They charge ASF on type on rooms so Studio will pay
lowest ASF and 2 Bedroom will pay highest. But at the time of booking you can
choose any room so I am having Studio but can book 2 BR and pay 50% less ASF.
This fees is not fixed it will increase every year according to urban inflation
numbers
a) We would like to inform that the term inflation free is towards the cost which you
have invested for the product. For example, a person who has purchased a product in
the 2003 might have bought the product on a lower price as against the person who
has purchased the same in the year 2008. The cost of appreciation is not applied to
the product price after it has been purchased.
b) We have a transparent methodology for calculating the Annual Subscription Fee.

The year on year increase is calculated based on the Whole Sale Price Index &
Consumer Price Index as mentioned on the Reserve Bank of India website. This is
precisely why unlike other time shares, we have been able to maintain our properties
& keep them beautiful as you have repeatedly mentioned.
c) We are sure that you aware that ours is a floating inventory, wherein members
have an option to travel 1 up higher season from their purchased product and also
have access to their respective seasons along with the ones below them. However
while confirming the bookings according to the rooms/seasons, higher or lower, the
days are debited accordingly. For example, being a member of Red Studio you would
be able to enjoy only 5 nights of holiday (approx) in the same season but on a One
Bedroom apartment.
d) Based on holidaying season, we restrict the number of apartments based on what

the member purchases. So for example a STU member can maximum holiday only in
1*1BR (0r) 1 STU in Red/Purple season where as a 1BR member can holiday in
2*STU (or) 1*2BR in Red/Purple season. Hence the apartment you purchase gives
you the flexibility on the number of people with whom would like to holiday with.
Hence we urge members who only holiday with their extended families/Friends to
purchase bigger apartments.
With regard to concern raised stating that,
1) 44% members are not utilizing their holidays
2) Club Mahindra gives resorts on rental to nonmembers, even in the peak season. So
members compete with nonmembers. There annual report show earning of Rs 15 Cr
from rental they have received from nonmembers. If I assume Rs 4000 per night
room rent it turns to 3% of the total available inventory.
3) Third, when there is big gap in available inventory & some competition from
nonmembers; few people will definitely be disappointed because they will not get
what they desire. Club Mahindra expect that people should plan there holidays 6
months in advance I think I can do it but its not possible for people who are in
jobs. There annual report shows that occupancy was at 77% & if we adjust even 2%
that was utilsed by nonmembers so member occupancy is at 75%. If we compare that
with number of members, it turns out to be 44%. I dont think I again have to tell you
that Club Mahindra charges Annual Subscription Fees (ASF) irrespective of you go
for holidays or not. In addition they dont allow members to accumulate more than 3
years (21 days) holidays. If member dont pay ASF, his membership will seize.
Please find below our responses to the above given points.

1) While we have had challenges in the past with inventory growth not matching with
the membership growth, please be rest assured that we are well on track now. To
elaborate, while we have close to 1.4 lakhs active members, we build our inventory on
the basis of eligible members which basically means most of our members are on a
payment plan & their Holiday Start Date varies from 12-15 months. By the time they
become eligible, we would have added inventory to take care of the increase.
However, because of the flexible nature of the product [any resort, any apartment,
any season own or lower season & also a one-up exchange into a higher season],
there is some trade-off subject to availability of rooms which translates to planning
holidays well in advance.
To re-iterate, we have over the last 6 months added quite a number of new resorts at
exotic destinations & I am highlighting a few to put to rest any apprehensions you
may have. There are a lot more in the pipeline that we will communicate as they open
their doors to greet our members.
New Additions:
Emerald Palms, Goa
Kanatal, Uttrakhand
Mussorie Avalon, Uttrakhand
Baiguney, Sikkim
Kumarakom, Kerala
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
2) We take an exception to your statement and would like to state that we follow a
member first policy in terms of inventory allocation where first preference is always
given only to members. Therefore non-members are not entertained during peak
seasons. Only if we find no demand from our members during off-peak season, we
offer our units on payment basis to ensure that rooms do not go un-utilized. These
non-members are also potential prospects (as future members) which would only
result in additional resorts for our members.
3) Number of members holidaying:

We would like to point out that last year out of the total requests we received, 83%
resulted in confirmed holidays. I am sure as a member who has holidayed with us 5
times already in the last 3 years would agree on our commitment in providing
holidays. However since we understand a lot of members dont holiday every year
consistently, we are also proactively contacting inactive members & providing
holidays. Last year alone we had proactively provided holidays to close to 9000
members who were inactive for more than 2 years. The very fact that close to 1/4th of
our inventory goes unoccupied every year stands testament to the fact that we have
more than enough rooms available to cater to our members demand.
4) Planning your holiday 6 months in advance:
Being a time share product, we open our bookings as early as 6 Months prior to the
check in date. Since the holidaying pattern is generally constant for most families, a
lot of our members plan & book 6 months in advance in resorts & dates of their
choice. We also offer you an unique option to cancel a confirmed holiday as close as
15 days from check-in date without losing any of your inventory (Days). We must also
mention that members who plan early save close to 40% on their travel cost as well.
5) Lapsing the inventory:
We also as a policy allow all members to accumulate 3 years of inventory since if
members start utilizing more than 3 years of their entitlement within one year, it also
leads to enormous pressure on our room inventory, thereby resulting in holiday
being refused for other members and in the end again resulting in a vicious circle of
days being lapsed for them.
Please write back to us at manager@mahindraholidays.com in case you need any
further assistance.
Regards,
Ronnie Ninan Thomas

Member Relations
Club Mahindra
REPLY LINK

Thanks Ronnie for taking out your precious time & replying to most of my points
raised. I sincerely wish your team help every member with same patience.
I may not be satisfied with your answers as I wrote it was MY mistake but I hope this
will be helpful for the readers of this post.
REPLY LINK
o Sanjay August 28, 2012, 9:08 AM

Dear Ronnie,
I am a club Mahindra member from last 3 years, please reply to my queries:
I got a mail Gift 3 friends the Club Mahindra experience & it was 2 nights so 6
nights free to my beloved friends. In every mall we can find people from club
Mahindra offering free trips, can you explain why members should suffer from your
freebies.
Why club Mahindra membership is available at less than 60% rates on websites like
enidhi.
REPLY LINK
o molty May 23, 2014, 4:29 PM

Dear Ronnie
Your reply is a typical after sales reply as per the book, Im a member & i know how
much haggling i have to do to get a reservation, when the membership is sold even
the moon is promised, but like insurance companies your sales boys have left by the
time you are ready to take your first holiday & with him goes all commitments.
I have a white i bedroom so i should be able to trade up by sacrificing 2 days or a
smaller accommodation in the red but strangely i can avail of it only 15 days in
advance, a property which your roster shows is overbooked & somehow i will get a
reservation 15 days in advance, who are you guys kidding its BS the only way i see is
this:
YOU TAKE THE MONEY & HAVE INVENTED CREATIVE WAYS TO KEEP THE
MEMBERS OUT OF THE RESORTS & FINALLY LAPSE THEIR HOLIDAYS ON
SOME GROUNDS. SO ITS NOT A WIN-WIN ITS A WIN-ONE SITUATION
WHEREIN YOU WIN THIS WAY OR THAT WAY
IM A LAWYER BY PROFESSION & IM COLLECTING INFORMATION FROM
OTHER MEMBERS & SOON ILL SURPRISE YOU WITH A CLASS ACTION
REPLY LINK
molty May 23, 2014, 4:36 PM

MR RONNIE I POST HERE UNDER AN ARTICLE FROM MONEYLIFE-

The list of complaints against the Mahindra group company from members is
increasing. But they are not being addressed appropriately
There appears to be little respite for Mahindra Holidays and Resorts, as the list of
complaints from dissatisfied customers continues to grow. The complaints range
from unsatisfactory practices and deficiency in services to unfulfilled promises.
While very little is known about how successful the company has been in redressing
the complaints, a letter addressed to Mahindra Holidays managing director Ramesh
Ramanathan recently raises the lack of clarity over the business model that this
Mahindra group company follows.
Overall people are not very clear on the business model Club Mahindra follows.
There is no one reference document to it and the typical timeshare model does not
apply in this case, Bhupesh Gupta, who has been a member of Club Mahindra
Holidays since 2004, wrote in his complaint. Bits and pieces of information come to
light, surprising me every time. I am surprised why Mahindra Holidays reports resort
occupancy levels at the time of quarterly report to shareholders. What significance
does this have to its timeshare business? Who will take the hit of this under-
utilisation, the members or the business?
Mr Gupta says that he has not received a reply from the company for some time and
so addressed a copy of the letter to Moneylife, which raised the issue with the
company. However, the explanations by Mr Ramesh and chairman Arun Nanda were
not very enlightening. Without answering the issue raised directly, both tried to
describe how customer centric the company has been.
Mr Ramesh says, Our surveys done both internally and independently prove that we
have a very happy set of members who rate the experience at our resorts extremely
high. I am happy to share with you that RCI have awarded the Gold Crown status to
10 of our resorts more than 25% of our new members sign up through referrals by
existing members, denoting a high level of delight with the brand. RCI is the largest
timeshare vacation network in the world.
Strangely, in a recent interview with MoneyControl, Mr Nanda had admitted that an

internal check has revealed that the company was lacking in many aspects and that it
required some cleansing operations to contain the damage to its membership base.
Club Mahindra is said to have experienced a 30% drop in membership sales revenue
over the past few months.
It is very likely that this is the outcome of the numerous complaints of members that
appear to go unresolved. Consumer review websites like mouthshut.com
and http://www.consumercomplaints.in list some of them. In one recent note,
Devyani Chakraborty says she is still awaiting a refund on cancellation of her
membership, which was sold to her a few days before during Durga Puja. In one post
today, Mr Sandeep said he has failed to encash a free holiday voucher coupon after
he was told that there were no rooms available in any of the resorts in any
destination.
Other complaints refer to lack of proper exit options, which, the Mahindra Holidays
chairman said were very few. However, there is no explanation as to why members
have to go through an excruciating exit mechanism and lose 30-40% of their
membership fees in the process.
Many of the timeshare membership holders have complained that the flexibility
option, which enables the users to transfer, exchange and split their holidays, have
led to under-utilisation of the resorts. Moreover, they accuse the administration of
favouritism, which enables only some particular members to avail good reservation
dates and facilities.
But while members are allegedly denied facilities, resorts and rooms are used for
other events and availed by outsiders. Many members, after repeated failures, give
up on making reservations, which leaves many resorts with vacancies. There are
complaints about unsatisfactory services, inadequate inventory and other unfulfilled
promises.
It appears from inquiries Moneylife made with some members that there is no
proper grievance redressal mechanism and neither are members aware of how they
can get their complaints resolved, nor are the staff equipped to deal with such
situations. Another repeated mention is that staff members engage in dubious
practices like lotteries, misleading members about offers and not providing proper
information about the terms and conditions.
REPLY LINK
shridhar July 21, 2012, 3:53 PM
I bought membership in oct 11 and has paid 45k till date. do u suggest to discontinue
REPLY LINK
o Siddhant July 23, 2012, 9:08 AM

Shridhar,
Pl. get out when you can this is a fraud company.
REPLY LINK
Nisha July 18, 2014, 12:43 AM

Please stop its a big fraud.. I am yet to get my refund as i havent got holidays when i
wanted asked to split or go in a different period etc get out
REPLY LINK
Mukunth July 21, 2012, 5:13 PM
Hi Hemant,
You should tweet this article to Anand Mahindra in Twitter..looks like a LOT of
disgruntled customers here, judging by the comments. I have been approached
several times by their marketing folks outside cinema halls, malls and even at toll
gates. I very nearly missed attending their free couple pass once developing cold feet
at the last moment (good in hindsight!). I only ask myself 2 things here : 1)Can I
afford holiday every year ? 2) Will I be able to take off for 7 days at a stretch from
work. Both depend on various factors, given the nature of our work & job. I guess the
free TV swung it for you
REPLY LINK
pullakandamvijaykumar July 22, 2012, 6:24 PM
club mahendra cheats public very well. I lost 2.5 lac . I say to my friends never try to
become member in club mahendra.
REPLY LINK
Siddhant July 23, 2012, 8:58 AM
This is a fraud company, they will never cancel the membership, I fought for 1 year
but lost my 50,000 anyway. this when I did submit the cancellation within 15 days.
Thanks for spreading the message. this is a fraud company & no one should go with
them
REPLY LINK
harinee July 23, 2012, 12:36 PM
Hi
This is a good post. I had a holiday at a Mahindra resort in Coorg just happened to
book online . I am not a member of the club ,was thinking of joining but now have
dropped the idea.
The location was fantastic, well-kept.Food very expensive. We were paying every day
for breakfast nobody in the facility felt like informing us there was a complimentary
breakfast available at one of the restaurants till we found out at the day of departure.
We really felt conned by it. Of the 3 restaurants only one had decent fare despite the
exorbitant prices. And located in the heart of coffee land they served horrid coffee!
The Ayurveda massage center was so out of the way you lost motivation to visit it.
The resort is built on a hill so walking around was a pain and my mom who has
arthritis had a wait of 20 mins every time for a golf cart buggy to show up.
For a 4 or 5-star facility they are stingy on soap, no toiletries besides the liquid soap.
We left behind an expensive set of sunglasses but the resort guys were nice enough to
mail it back without cost.
REPLY LINK
shilpi johri July 23, 2012, 4:09 PM
Very well written post Hemant!

I have stayed in one of their properties, I am not a member :).
Properties are very well maintained with good food and courteous staff. But their
membership thing has too many conditions and some hidden charges too. The non-
flexibility and planning the vacation 6 months in advance is putting people off. Even
their selling seems desperate. They are pushing too hard. The gift voucher gimmick is
old now (unless you outsmart them and go for a vacation without buying the
membership ).
They have a nice value proposition in terms of quality they should rather not talk
about membership, which is earning them a bad name, and let people vouch for the
experience.
shilpi
REPLY LINK
Annapurna Shastri July 23, 2012, 6:10 PM
All these so called holiday ownership companies are a farce. After hearing a lot of
negative reviews about Club Mahindra,we opted for Royal Resorts and Clubs.It is no
different. Long waiting period for booking holidays,hidden charges and most of their
resorts are not conveniently located.
REPLY LINK
Urvi July 24, 2012, 4:11 PM
Hi
Have any one had such experience with Sterling holidays? I have paid amount for
initial deposit for membership. Then the processing of documents & previlege cards
got delayed by two months, which actually spoil entire plan for vacation. So i have
asked for cancelaation of membership. Till today after 5 months they are answering
that your file is in chennai office they are processing request & still today no clue on
it.
REPLY LINK
Anuraag July 24, 2012, 4:57 PM
Hi Hemant,
Wonderful article. I faced the same thing with Bush Beta properties and this was the
same way. They always offered us a possible time during weekdays around March
and October knowing fully well that these are times when its very difficult to go on
vacation. We finally stopped paying and got out of this with not a day of vacation in
their properties and no refunds. Waste of years of saving.
At the same time, Mahindra resorts provide concessional bookings through other
sites anytime of the year. I got a good 1 bed room at their Coorg property through an
online booking site. The price was good for a December vacation and included free
food (Breakfast and Lunch) and travel around the area at about a Rs.100 per person.
I think what I learned from that experience was when you want to go for a trip these
days you can get 100s of site that are offering you a good rate for a stay.
Cheers.
REPLY LINK
RK77 July 24, 2012, 7:55 PM

Very informative article and comments that followed. How does one get out of this
arrangement? Are there any agents that help sell such holiday resort memberships?
As the number of negative comments is very high it may be possible to approach the
central govt to set up rules and regulators to monitor such schemes.
REPLY LINK
o Leila April 19, 2013, 2:31 PM

RK77, we are also looking for agents who will help us sell our membership I do feel
they have taken in more members than they can service and their standards have
fallen sharply.
A recent stay in Goa brought this out, when we found tiny white spiders in the bed!
And meals at the restaurant were monotonous and unattractive.
Pl share with me if you have found a way to get rid of your membership and I shall do
likewise. tks.
Btw Hemant, thanks for starting this discussion, very informative and appreciate the
time and thought you hv put in yr mail.
REPLY LINK
sheela February 3, 2014, 12:23 PM

I sold mine thru an agent. Try advertising on Quikr and the agents will call u, based
on your holding.
But I must mention, I sold at a loss, taking a hit of abt one lac atleast we are rid of
the nuisance.
REPLY LINK
GChander July 25, 2012, 7:56 AM
It is very dangerous to share your details with the guys outside malls. They come to
you luring you to participate in their lucky draw.
1) They sell your contact details to resorts, banks etc @ 4-20 rs per contact.
2) Your data goes through an analysis. For the Job column if you say No Job you
will never get a call, but if you put a bigger role like a Senior Manager etc, all of a
sudden you become the lucky winner for them.
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Sanjay Sonar July 25, 2012, 7:09 PM
Hemant
I recently attended the session. I told them that you are selling one small studio room
in 3 Lacs to 50 people (assuming 50 weeks in a year), which means getting Rs.
15000000. Also, you are getting annually Rs. 550000 for maintenance (from all
11000 x 50) so Rs. 13750000 for 25 years.
Total you are getting Rs. 28750000 around 3 crore for one small studio room and
that too for 25 years only.
If 12 friends contribute 5 lacs rupees and built a farm house they can stay one month
and that too for life time.
REPLY LINK
sunilkumar July 25, 2012, 11:59 PM

you will be some what glad to know. Various government agencies have launched
probe against such time share holiday companies. thirteen in all, and I hope
Mahindra Holidays is one among them. The only prayer I do the Almighty, this probe
should end in to a logical conclusion. Penalties and criminal prosecution of such
companies. AMEN!
REPLY LINK
Akhil July 26, 2012, 11:06 AM
Hello,
I bought club m membership during one of their free coupans meeting in start of this
year. After 6 days I got the email docs confirming the conditions etc and soon I
realised there were hidden information and it is not worth. I sent email and written
cancellations asap to get the refund in 10 day free look periods. There were several
calls from people at different offices telling there will be no refund but I continued to
vehemently argue with them. Finally I for the whole amounted refunded through a
cheque. Took around 3 months. My personal experience that their backoffice client
service is not that bad but sales people (i think it is just because they need to justify
their salary ) are making all wrong claims.
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o mitesh May 12, 2014, 2:00 PM

Hi Sir,
Please can you tell me what is the process of cancellation. Where did you get the
withdrawal form.
Thanks in advance
Mitesh
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o amit rastogi December 18, 2014, 12:50 AM

Sir,
I have too sufferred, can you kindly advise me to get my money back. Has been 18
months since iv cancelled my white studio, but in vain.
Eagerly waiting for your response.
Regards.
Amit Rastogi
9619053751
REPLY LINK
Ravi December 18, 2014, 10:42 AM

Do one thing ,If you think you correct and they did false promises then start
campaigning against them over social media like on facebook or twitter, and make
them aware about what you are doing. You will soon get your money back as I also
faced the issue and did the same and got my money back.
Regards,
Ravi
REPLY LINK
Nwo July 26, 2012, 11:14 PM
Hemant,
Thanks for sharing your personal experience on Club Mahindra. None of your
readers would buy this package now. That means less business to Cub Mahindra.
REPLY LINK
Michael July 27, 2012, 12:26 PM
Dear Hemant,
With so many disgruntled voices, Is there any authority in the country under which
such holiday schemes come under. It is a very sorry state that members loose lakhs of
rupees and all they can do is write on some forum.
This is a financial scam with mega proportions and it continues. The money paid by
existing mis-guided and disgruntled members is being used for advertising on
websites (BSE website has one) and full page ads in newspapers (Sunday Mid day) to
rope in new members.
An RTI needs to be filed to check the statistics of how many

cancellation/terminations have been there and what is the amount the company has
earned. Can a listed company engage in such business practice ? and get away with
it !
Michael
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Goban August 7, 2012, 2:30 PM

We had taken club mahindra membership about 5 years back, valid for 25 years. We
were given RCI free membership for 2 weeks as promotion. We visited Goa last year
and before that travelled to florida and Maryland, USA for two weeks with RCI
membership given to us by Club Mahindra. Until now we have had a wonderful
experience with them. But only thing, this is for people who like to enjoy the resort as
most of the resort is located far from any shopping centers or places of interest. So if
you travel far to see those places nearby, you spend a lot of time, money. They give
full fledge kitchen and we can cook some easy meals there and we had ordered room
service like some dry items. Children enjoyed in the swimming pool and we have our
time relaxing ourselves. Now we are travelling next to Munnar shortly:)
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rk September 9, 2012, 6:32 PM
excellent analysis..
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Amish September 18, 2012, 2:00 AM
Hemant.
It was great reading your post.since the last few days I was thinking of becoming a
member with club mahendrA. As a few of my friends are!
For new years we needed to book the coorg destination! Instead I asked an agent and
got a deal of 4500 rs a night! After reading your post! I think its better to book as a
non member than as a member! As you have a variety of resorts. In one trip you can
choose between resorts, and if you really want a Mahendra property! Buy it as a non
member just for a few days!
There is a friend who became a mahendrA member! Since the last 7 years he has
been traveling ONLY in club Mahendra resorts. At least i have OPTIONS
Amish
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Dr D Basu. September 23, 2012, 10:57 PM
vv important article which my eye got stuck onto it at right time. was just preparing
to subscribe such one. thank god and all.
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Venkatesh September 25, 2012, 10:38 PM
Was supposed to meet someone from club Mahindra tomorrow.

You just saved me a fortune!!!
Thanks a ton!
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Debashree September 28, 2012, 7:16 PM

Hemant.. the only thing i can suggest.. If you want to get justice and save people from
this kind of fraud, you should file a complaint with consumer court.. they are doing a
good job in many cases
REPLY LINK
Pintu September 28, 2012, 11:05 PM
I should have read the reviews before attending their 2 hour session.at the end of
the session the guy was forcing like hell to sign-up for the membership and was
threatening as if we committed huge mistake by not agreeing to do so..and the
reviews here seem to be very logical.and Apt.
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RK77 September 29, 2012, 7:49 AM
Excellent article that should prevent others from falling into the trap of Holiday
Resort Tricksters and fraudsters. Club Mahindra, Karma Resorts, Sterling Holiday
resorts are all part of this devious plan to mislead people into believing that they can
easily have cheap holidays at exotic locations. They are persistent as pests, tell lies
blithely and literally badger you into signing up for schemes that only benefit them
and not the subscriber. Hemant has done great service to the society by starting this
topic.
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Dhaval October 7, 2012, 3:32 PM
Excellent Hemant!!
I was also thinking on the same lines but I havent purchased any membership yet.
Thanks for sharing your views.
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Amit October 9, 2012, 3:16 PM
Dear Hemant,
You are just too good but unfortunately i found your post now when i am already shit
deep in it. However can you be kind enough to suggest what can i do now. As you
rightly said there are no takers in the market so what do you suggest ?
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Amit October 9, 2012, 5:22 PM
Dear Amit Sidham,

Thanks a lot for your brilliant analysis. I had taken country club membership 4
months back and was cursing myself all this while. But due to your detailed analysis
and applying the same analogy i am gaining net 20-25 Lakhs due to my membership
stay and due to the freebies i have got over from them including 2 return tickets from
Dubai to India over a period of 23 years. Hemants analysis is brilliant and would
have been worthwhile had i read it before 4 month but now since i was already in this
and knowing i cannot come out of it, i just loved the analogy provided by you.
So those who are reading and tracking this post one thing is for sure, to keep your
flexibility on u can opt out of all these club memberships, however if you have
already entered into one please read Amit Sidhams post in detail and you would
have a huge breath of relief.
May God Bless U and Your Family Amit
Best Regards
Amit
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o Amit Sidham October 11, 2012, 7:20 AM

Thanks Amit.
Regards
Amit Sidham
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Murali October 11, 2012, 5:10 PM
Hi Hemant,
Great post and excellent analysis. I have huge problems with them. Have not used for
more than 4 years now. When I wanted to cancel the membership, they said they will
returnn about 16% of what I paid. It is hugely annoying. BTW, where did you get all
these numbers? I wanted to take them to the court after getting all these numbers,
and some more. But, they refused to give. Any idea where can I get them?
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Vasudev Ramtekkar October 16, 2012, 1:50 AM
Dear Hemant,
I also feel of committing a grave mistake by Opting for Club Mahindra membership
in Year2007. Till now , I could not avail even a single day of their hospitality, though
i am on the vacation every year, at least for the once.
There are several reasons
* My decision to get the membership was not a thoughtful one.
* I trusted their salesman words.
* Their resorts are located at very few locations.
* Club Mahindra peoples dont motivate theis members o avail the days.
* They are just interested in getting more and more money from the pockets of their
members.
I really feel cheated by becoming a CM member.
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o KAPIL SOMAIYA February 7, 2014, 5:41 PM

the same i feel ,vasu-i had been member for 7 years i have fight every year and
atleast 2-3 times a year with all officers at resort, bookings, branch office and chennai
officemad people buy club mahindramahindras are very sound people but
only members are lunatic.i have alot to offer against club mahindra and will fight
with consumer court
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Vimal prakash October 17, 2012, 5:18 PM
Truly said, I also took the CM membership and after a month I came to know that
they have so many riders, like even if completing your membership payment you will
have to around 10k for each year till 25years for maintenance purpose.secondly when
you plan to use your membership you might come to know that there is no
availability and blab blab.
So I just paid for three installment ( which was the min waiting period to avail the
service ) and decided to close , CM resfused to pay the membership paid so I used it
for 3D/4N , somewhat convenice myself.
why to force your self for 25 yrs for just few options with so many constraints
furthermore you might miss any deals which nowadays very common
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Rajest October 23, 2012, 7:00 PM
Thnx,today i just got saved getting into the trap after reading this post.
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popo November 12, 2012, 6:00 PM
Time has come and the time is now for all Indians through TFL to eradicate the evil
practices of indian businese houses. economy destabilise is cause by CHOR and its
Companies. We publics are the parents of those CHOR. Stop feeding them, And then
we shall be prosper. But for this we need a broader knowledge from a place like TFL.
Thanks Hemant for your untired effort. Hoping forward for the brighter future of our
india
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Mahesh November 16, 2012, 3:42 PM
What a fool I am, despite so much info available on net i didnt bothered to check it
and felt into the trap of club mahindra.
Requested for cancellation, let see
Mahesh
REPLY LINK
tarun khaira November 18, 2012, 9:41 PM
I am planning to buy a membership of Country Club Ltd. It is costing me

Rs.1,35,000/- for taking their Blue plan. I am skeptical about their reputation and
their resorts. They are promising me 7D 6N per year.
In comparison Club Mahindra is more expensive.
Please Advise.. Should i go for it or look for other options ??
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o Sanjay Thorat November 19, 2012, 6:37 PM
Hi Tarun,
I am a member of Country Club/Vacations. I paid Rs. 90,000 for 5 years of

vacations(7D 6N . per year) last year. They had promised me free membership of
their clubs but this free membership is of no use. Their club does not provide much
and they are far from my home. They told me lot of lies to sell this membership. I
would say take whatever they promise you in written, read the agreement in details,
take 1 day to read agreement and then only take the decision. They will tell you that
offer is only for today but dont be hurry. Read their agreement in detail and take 1
day to read it. They will definitely convince you, reduce cost to make you buy it right
at that moment, but dont be lured. You must take one or more days to read the
agreement. They will most probably give you memebership at the same cost later
once you decide.
Regards,
Sanjay
Regards,
Sanjay
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hi Sanjay
Thank a ton for ur thought provoking and genuinely helpful advise.
Regards
Tarundeep Singh Khaira
Advocate
Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh.
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Hi Sanjay,
One thing more, in case i get all their promises in writing, then is it a good deal??. As
in r their resorts worth it ?? Should i think about Club Mahindra, though its
comparatively expensive.
Regards,
Tarundeep Singh Khaira
Advocate
Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh.
REPLY LINK
Nair November 19, 2012, 10:51 AM
Ok I am a Club Membership Red Season holder since last 5 years. They gave me RCI
membership exchange as offer for 2 years validity. I exchanged my 2 weeks holidays
with RCI and travelled for 2 weeks to florida where they put me to experience 2
different resorts in each week, an experience which we will never forget our life.
Whenever we want a holiday they always assisted their best to accommodate us,
preference is given to members during peak season, and not to our relatives/ friends
who are guest. I then experienced Goa and Munnar. Both were too good, with good
hospitality ratings. It was a break through experience.
Now, we are not able to have a vacation with all of us together as children are out of
their careers. So the bad point is that, still we have to keep paying this ASF
Maintenace about Rs.16k, or we will lose membership! None of us can travel and
enjoy alone ! Not CM mistake though. I see only this part unjustified, as compared
with not taking a membership. Otherwise they have those floating resorts in
Ashtamudi/ Gir forest resorts all in line much awaited to visited
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nitin November 27, 2012, 6:11 PM
Why cant we all Mahindra Club Members who all are suffering rather than getting
relaxed on so called holidays come together and get rid of this headack once and for
all.. rather than fighting single we can fight collectivly for our right.
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o sharan June 14, 2013, 12:27 PM

i too have terrible experiences how to nail them is the point ?
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abhijit banerjeeijit banerjee November 27, 2012, 9:32 PM
i was a member of club mahindra,membership no.126161,due to non payment of emi

my membership was lost, now i want to regain it, can i get back?
REPLY LINK
Anil Ramaiah December 5, 2012, 11:20 PM

Hemants article can be a true eye opener. He has analyzed very systematically why
Club Mahindra (CM) membership doesnt work for him and probably for others with
similar holidaying style. I have been a prospective CM membership buyer for a long
time now (Since 2008!) and every time I decide to finalize the deal, I find some or the
other valid reason for not going for it. Even to buy a Rs. 10,000/- mobile phone, I do
quite a bit of research, so obviously before committing to such a significant amount I
did look around for opinions and experiences, and I found a lot of useful information
on Srindhis and Bhupesh Blogs.
Even though the executives of CM try to hard sell their product, you can hardly
blame them for lying or mis-selling since there are enough details on the internet
about the features of this product, drawbacks and advantages since CM has been
around for more than a decade now. So, I fell it would be very nave of us to make a
decision based only on what a sales executive tells us. I holiday (or would like to
holiday) at least twice in a year and whenever I do, I like to stay in a comfortable and
clean place. For that, in India, you have to stay in places with more than or equal to 3
star ratings only. Such a place, even in off-season, would cost you upwards of Rs.
3500/- these days and I have noticed that the prices have been increasing every year.
I have stayed in a couple of CM resorts (Coorg and Munnar) and I have to admit, they
are absolutely gorgeous. Both the times, I had stayed as a guest of a Member and I
have nothing to complain as far as service or facilities are concerned. I had booked in
both the places about 2 months in advance and it didnt seem like such a big
inconvenience to me at the time. Now, I am told, they have even more streamlined
the booking process which is indeed good news. So, I feel it would be really good to
have a CM membership. But, the question is Will it be a good Financial Decision?
Though, I agree when Hemant says that the wise learn from others mistakes, I am
just exploring the possibility of benefitting from others mistakes. It is true that
used CM memberships are available on various forums at steeply discounted
prices. Will it be a smart financial decision to buy those? And what would be that
smart price?
Before I make a decision I feel I should consider these facts.
1. If you want to holiday every year and want to stay comfortably, it is going to cost
you. At todays price you wouldnt be too off the mark if you assume that your per
night cost will be close to Rs. 4000/-
2. So, if you assume that you a have a holiday fund which you have invested in a fixed
deposit that gives you a return at 9% per annum and you take a holiday after you
have accumulated the interest for one full year, the cost of that holiday will have to
come from the sum of the corpus and the interest. Since, interest alone will not be
sufficient to cover the expenses in most of the cases, you will have to dig into your
corpus every time and consequently your corpus keeps shrinking every year. After a
few years you will not be left with any corpus!
3. CM resorts are beautiful and extremely comfortable. It would be a real pleasure to
stay in most of them (Kumbalgarhs dirty swimming pool notwithstanding!)
4. The type of apartment and season depends on your family size and composition. If
you have school going kids for example, red season should be better and probably 1or
2 BR (depending on number of kids).
Now, the question is at what price to enter the membership. For my requirements, I
find a white studio with at least 20 years, for Rs. 1, 00,000/- quite reasonable. (In
fact I was negotiating a deal recently but it didnt come through as there was a
difference of about 10K between the sellers and my offer.) If you assume, that the
ASF and your Non- CM accommodation cost both increase at 8% every year and you
have a bought a membership with still 20 years still on board for one Lakh (which let
us assume was your holiday corpus) you will see that you would have spent about
Rs. 4409/- per night at CM (Even after considering that you continue to pay Whole
sale price index linked ASF) as against Rs. 10084/- at an equivalent hotel or resort
over the next 20 years. (I have created an Excel sheet calculation for the same and
can mail it to all those who want it).
The trade offs for this Rs. 5675/- savings are
1. Planning holiday well in advance.
2. Can go to only 40 (as of now) resorts in 20 years. (you dont have to visit the
same place again if you holiday only twice a year like me)
3. Bear with not so premium service at few places. (which can happen with any
hotel or accommodation, there are bound to be some bad experiences)
4. Your holiday accommodation requirements vary with passing years, but you have
only one type of accommodation.
I find the trade-offs are not very discouraging.
Would certainly welcome comments.
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o Dr.Raghunath June 4, 2014, 2:11 PM

We have a red season studio membership.We have visited
yercaud,munnar,ashtamudi and mussorie.We rate 10/10 our experience till now.As
for financial calculations I do not do it much as long as our experience in these
resorts were good.Some hiccups are there no doubt,but overall our experience has
been too good.I feel pained to see many of you calling them cheats..etc..etc..which I
really cannot comprehendRegarding food there is no compulsion that one has to
eat there only..For a busy doctor like most,it reminds me to take a week off in a year
to those lovely resorts with courteous staff and well mannered co-membersFor me
iam happy to have invested in club Mahindra..
REPLY LINK
Pooja December 9, 2012, 12:13 PM
Hi;
We are a member of club mahindra and pay about 14000 annually for their soo
called maintenance but to be frank it does not seem to be happening. all through out
the year these people will not have rooms available for their members be it anytime
of the year and they indeed go about promising during membership that we will be
getting studio rooms to stay in but end up giving us some of their filthy hotel units
which are soo small and the quality is soo bloody pathetic that an individual cannot
stay in these filthy rooms of theirs and their call center too has a very pathetic way of
responding.
these people do sell their rooms to non members instead of providing the rooms to
the members.
SINCERE ADVICE NEVER NEVER TAKE UP A CLUB MAHINDRA
MEMBERSHIP..
REPLY LINK
o SAYAN October 16, 2013, 8:48 PM

Hi Pooja,
if u want to sell the package at a lower price, I may consider after a

brief review. Mail me at sayan.dell@gmail.com
REPLY LINK
Maverick December 11, 2012, 4:51 PM
Most of the members are telling the true stories. I am also CM member.
My understanding : CM is for you only
1) If you are family like to stay at resort and like to enjoy the beauty of nature and
not hulla gulla of city.(can say 50% stay at resort and 50% hulla gulla )
2) If you can plan your holidays atleast 2 month in advance.
3) If you like to travel every year during holiday seasons(like kids holidays)
4) If you have patient to get rewarded for your money (Like share market one
should not go to chart and see what is going on in the market daily when he is
planning for long term investment)
5) Considering luxury resorts ready to shell out little extra for food and other
expenses.(this happen in any 5 start hotel..you can not compare 5 star and one
dhaba or 2 start hotel price)
6) Most importantly you like to stay in the property above 3star rating and know the
pricing difference for what you get when compared to lesser star.
If above any of the number coming to NO I request not to enter in to agreement as
you will be disappointed.
Hope this will help.
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Mathew December 16, 2012, 3:37 PM
Great discussion allI was thinking of signing up, however after reading through the
variety of views offered, I am convinced that this is one club I am better off not
joining..
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Colin December 19, 2012, 10:29 AM
Superb discussion, i was impressed by the way the sales rep approached me after
attending or rather i can say wasting my 2 precious hrs about the add ons of
clubmahundra, i came to know about their new conditions which they are going to
exercise from now on, a. only one weekend a year u can travel across, cancellation a
member have to do one month in advance and finally the members can go to a
particuler resort only once in a year.
I feel good that my money is saved from the cheaters and frauds like clubmahindras,
being mahindra group why such a pathetic service and a bad name in the market.
I hope it will be useful for others as well.

COLIN
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Sheela December 19, 2012, 9:56 PM
I recently joined CM as a member, after having thought that at least I will be going
for Holidays once/twice a year. I have done the initial payment of 21990, and they
have asked that 3 emis will be deducted from my CC, and some good option of 5 days
Holiday abroad and 7N/3D in CM resort is available. After watching mix comments
from few of the members in above post, i am not able to decide whether to continue
with CM or not. One thing wanted to ask, is there a possibility to get out of the CM
membership after I paid 3 emis and availed atleast one free holidays that they
promised.
Please suggest.
Sheela
REPLY LINK
o Nisha July 18, 2014, 12:48 AM

please get out they are cheats.. If you want just book online when u want to take
holidays. Do not book for 25 years its a big scam. You wont get holidays when u want
REPLY LINK
Too Late Now.. :-( December 31, 2012, 5:15 PM
Hi Hemant and everyone..
This article is a real eye opener.. But unfortunately I tried to open my eyes quite late.
I subscribed for the membership yesterday and I checked the reviews today. For
some reason, when the CM representative was at my house, I couldnt think of
anything else but to become their member. I found the offers gud (except few painful
things like maintenance fees and extra charges etc.)
I have already paid 33K as part of the down payment. But after reading reviews on
this site as well as few others, I am repenting.. I have chosen Red + Studio
membership with all the 5 offers (which include one internation trip, 24K discount
on down payment etc.)
If I decide to withdraw the membership, how much will be the amount refunded
back? Will there be any refund (if not, it will be a nightmare)??? And if yes, how
much can be the time taken?
Please assist.
Thanks,
Mukta
REPLY LINK
o sunilkumar January 1, 2013, 7:32 AM

I think there is a free look period. You can go ahead and cancel the membership
immediately.
REPLY LINK
jatin January 1, 2013, 2:12 AM
Ooppss .. Was about to buy one. Now I have dropped my idea . Thanks for the
info.
REPLY LINK
Soni January 7, 2013, 8:17 AM
Whats club mahindra membership fees in 2013 ?
REPLY LINK
Capt.Mehra January 7, 2013, 1:23 PM
I have gone through all the comments but feel differently,CM holidays are mainly
beneficial to families or Retd.Couple who have all the time and will to enjoy good
life.I too had been lured by their agent but after two weeks of no
communication,decided to write to Mr.Anand Mahindra but it was diverted to the
MD,promptly got a call from the corporate office by the MD himself assuring
complete refund in 24 hrs plus offered free holidays for 4 nts any where with
4000/free food vouchers.Ashtamudi holidays inducted us back to CM.Since last
three years,we enjoyed at 11 resorts including
Gangtak/Baiguney.Thekkady/Kodaikanal/Munnar bought from RCI.Every where it
was fantastic experience,food,Activities,Rooms/Staff except these resorts are far
from the city center.In BKK/PATTAYA,we got very bad experience as the hotels were
far from the city and taxis were expensive and Thai food was not palatable specially
for my wife being a veg.This holiday was a disaster but on our complaint to
CM,immediately,they refunded our Red season days in to our account back,That is
what we appreciated.One should not get dismayed by all these comments.In fact we
had decided to celebrate our Golden jubilee in ooty.The Gen MGR along with other
executives came to wish us with flowers and a cake and invited us for special
dinner.Again celebrated my Birthday at thekkady last year,special dinner was
arranged,At Gangtak,our wedding anniversary was highlighted in the Dinning hall
without our knowledge with Candle lights and Songs by the staff,unforgetable
moments with CM.We planned to visit Nathula pass in Gangtak,Car was arranged
and special packed B`fast was given with blankets.Sorry,We have no complaints
about CM.
REPLY LINK
sabitha January 12, 2013, 10:32 AM
Hi
I took am a member & now regret..yes i was also given false promises by the
executive he asked me to write a reference of a lady who he knows & in turn can get
a cash redemption for the same. He also said that you could give the apartment on
rent & earn through it , i.e if you are not able to utilize your holiday that year
I agree that the resorts are beautiful..but away from cities..so travel is a problem & so
is site seeing. Moreover whenever i want to travel & request for a destination for
certain datesits NEVER availablend bookedso you have to compromise on the
destination & date of travel as per the availability
REPLY LINK
Shib January 14, 2013, 3:01 PM
A great article, an eye-opener to many I share a lot of same thoughts, Ive been
through similar experiences which I have outlined in my blog too. This also makes
me believe that they use similar techniques to dupe customers, that means CM is a
rotten organization. How can they expect people to link with them for 25 years and
live with this rot? I am filing a consumer court complaint against them very soon, lets
see how it works out will keep you guys posted.
REPLY LINK
Amit Shah January 20, 2013, 12:33 PM
Hi
After numerous invites, I attended a presentation at Club Mahindra at Chembur mall

yesterday, my wife was impressed by the presentation. However, while some of the
presentation made sense to me, I was quite turned off by the hard selling that the
executive was trying to do and I told him upfront that I take time to research
thoroughly before I make a purchase and I walked off when they refused to give me
time.
After reading this blog and the comments made by various users I have come to a
conclusion that I took the right decision.
Thank you
Amit
REPLY LINK
Rohit January 26, 2013, 10:40 PM
My parents have just purchased the 1.28 Lac CM cheapest package on 25th Jan 2013.
After asking them about any other charges applicable, They (CM) said no. When I
checked the info doc they provided, I told my parents about the annual maintenance
which was quite evident. They are very upset cause they were thinking that paying
the above amount was a good bet. We have officially complaint today, but the sales
manager says 15% which is paid is non-refundable due to the discount offer offered
to them.
PLEASE HELP GUYS.What should I do????? (Especially Mr. Hemant)
REPLY LINK
Raja Kumar January 27, 2013, 12:34 PM
Club Mahindra does too much hard selling and that irritates. They are soft spoken till
they finish their presentation, then they start too much hard selling every minute.
They ask you to decide before you leave conference room. When I said I will think
and come back. They said Thank you Sir. Good bye. I have never seen such impolite
company any ware. Anyway that is their business model. Let them run like that.
Next morning I called my friend is already member and he also it is waste of money
and time to go with Club Mahindra. Reasons were simple and logical. My experience
with club Mahindra was people with self respect should not go to club Mahindra
office to have presentations.
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vinod February 3, 2013, 10:41 PM
hi what is benefit is u consider interst on your deposits and availability on website

across the board of holiday i mean room s are available on meagre amount u can buy
for 2 -3 k why spend lakh for that .
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vinod shah February 7, 2013, 9:49 AM
if u consider nt on money invested and amc charges, and compare with availability
on website in 3-4 thousands per day what is benefit
REPLY LINK
Manjunath Hireholi February 22, 2013, 12:40 AM
Hi All,
I have the best offer and also an opportunity for you guys.
OFFER:
Club membership package for next 30 yrs
for 2-4 people
for 2 weeks vacation every year
access to over 2000+ exotic resorts across the globe
at just Rs. 7.5 Lakh
OPPORTUNITY:
Once you buy this package you will get an ID
with which when you refer your friends, who will also like this package and buy it,
you will earn
Rs. 95000 as retail commission and
Rs. 30000 as BV Commission and
5 eVoucher Points
For more details you can reach out to me at:
Cell: +91 9845700000
Thanks,
Manjunath
Bangalore, India.
REPLY LINK
arun Rathnam February 23, 2013, 5:14 PM
hi,
my name is arun rathnam and i have been a club mahindra member since 2009. on
the onset let me clarify that i am just a member, neither am i mouthpeice nor have i
been paid in cash or in kind to create this blog by anybody.
i read this blog by Mr. Shrinidhi hande potraying a totally negative picture of club
mahindra (also here by Mr. Hemant )and i would like to share my experiences
(http://www.enidhi.net/2007/02/never-go-for-club-mahindra-membership.html)
BTW before i begin, the club mahindra management has responded to Mr. shrinidhi
with some explanations
(http://www.enidhi.net/2008/04/club-mahindra-holidays-ipo.html)
first, lets understand the concept of timeshare holidays. It is something like this..as
an individual ur bargaining power is quite limited. therefore in timeshare holidays u
agree to holiday with a certain timeshare company, the company gets a substancial
number of individuals and hence provides services which would otherwise be
prohibitive in costing at a reduced price.
it is a buyer-seller relationship, and like other buyer-seller relationships has its share
of ups and downs. the buyer expects the moon while the seller is selling just his
product!!
the disadvantages of a timeshare holiday membership are
1. u have a long term relationship with one particular seller (in this case club
mahindra), therefore its one based on trust that club mhaindra will maintain its
standards for the full 25 years.
2. since its a group of individuals who have paid, u will have a fair amount of
competition in booking ur holiday dates for a particular resort.
3. u have monopolised a particular seller so even if he increases his charges later on u

cant do anything as u have agreed for a partnership for a long period (25 years)
now, what are ur expectations with a holiday.let me tell u my expectations and why
i chose club mahindra.
1. i want to take a holiday twice a year, my dates are flexible,
2. but i would like to live luxuriously in a resort when i take a holiday.
3. i would also like to treat my family members, near and dear and friends to a good
time when they come with me.
i have taken a one bedroom apartment, white season.
i paid approx about 3.5 lacs for the membership with a free holiday (3 days bonus,
not part of the 7 days), Rs2000/- food coupons and a sony bravia LCD tv (26 inches).
after that i am getting 7 days a year with an annual maintanence fee ranging from Rs
12000 in the first year to Rs 15000/- in the 4th year.
The ASF is based on parameters of inflation index published by the indian govt from
time to time.
Q1: often people tell me you can put the money u paid to club mahindra in a fixed
deposit and holiday on the interest alone without even paying any annual
membership fee.
answer: my calcualtions are this. any resorts of the standard of club mahindra costs
approx 4000-6000 today. lets fix it at the lower cost Rs 4000 for a day. what i am
getting in club mahindra is a 7 day holiday for 4 adults ie 7 days at Rs4000 a room, 2
rooms for 4 adults = Rs 56000/-.
if i assume i put 3.5 lacs in a FD i will get approx 31500 (assuming 9% interest), so it
means a yearly outlay of 24500/- (this figure will only increase as interest rates
hovers around 8-9% but inflation causes the hotel rooms to get costlier)
so in a way what i can say is instead of putting the money i earmarked for holidays in
the bank and earn interest as money, i have put it in deposit with club mahindra
where i am paid in holidays ( rather than in cash). its a different way of looking at the
same scenario
when i see it from a members side a 56000/- holiday is costing me the ASF that i pay
ie 15000/-.which saves me 41000/- in the first year. The margin of saving does
increase every year as rooms get costlier every year while interest recieved on money
invested remains constant. therefore i feel its a good deal.
in my opinion club mahindra gets approx around 10 lacs profit from each
membership but thats beside the point. a company has to make a decent profit from
them to be sustainable. if they are not making good profits then i would be worried
that theirs resort standards would drop after the inital period and will not be
sustained for 25 years
Q2: Why choose a resort at all, why not a nice hotel room??
answer: if u are asking this question, then definately club mahindra is not for u. it is
for those people who want to enjoy resort type luxurious stay for some days every
year. if u feel u dont mind staying in a normal hotel and spend money on other
aspects of ur holiday, then CM is not for u.
so please be clear what u want before commiting to a CM membership, because this

is a long term commitment. if u decide u want to opt out inbetween u will definately
end up on the losing side.
Q2. a room is never available in the resot of my choice. this is a constant worry/
complaint often voiced.
answer: i book my holidays approx 2-3 months in advance i have never had a
problem with availability. i dont know about last minute deals but i know this,
availability is there for resorts in about 2 weeks from any date if u are not specific
about resort (places near to ur residence like say places around delhi or places
around mumbai, or bangalore etc). i guess thats ok considering u are planning an off-
the-cuff holiday. i am not talking about peak season like new year or diwali or
christmas in this.
Q3: Marketing people offer the moon when they talk to you
Answer: This is silly, how can u believe anything that is not given in writing.
whatever is the contract everything is mentioned clearly in writing. please read
everything carefully before commiting. i didnt have a problem with this as i believed
whats written, not whats said!!
Q5: not all resorts are good
answer: i agree that not all resorts are of the same standard. varca beach goa,
munnar etc are really big and nice. in general the ones in north india are smaller than
the ones in south india which are really well spaced. but all resorts have a different
theme and look. eg jim corbett has the jungle look with a lake in the background.
poovar and astamudi are situated in the backwaters. munnar and massorie have a
whole hill spaced as the resort. so each resort is definately different and worth seeing
Q6: season classification
This is quite a good feature offered in most time share holidays. ie ur payment is
based on the time u want to take ur holiday. so if u want the peak season u pay
more. this also ensures that the particular season members will be given preferance
on their respective season. (Eg. u cant choose the blue season and expect to go to goa
during the new year period.)
Q7: Food availability and cost
The quality of food is really good. The buffet rivals any 5 star restaurant and is very
nice. but the cost is quite high. on the upside a lot of restaurants are available in the
near vicinity of most CM resorts so u dont have to eat in CM all the time. The combo
they offer (breakfast, lunch and dinner at a reduced price) is good but still the cost is
high. I hope they offer better economic food variety
Q9: lots of complaints and disgruntled customers
if u browse the net, u will find diverse opinion with many people saying a CM
membership is not at all cost effective. I feel it all depends on what u want. if u are
sure of what u want and u feel u fit the customer profile of a CM membership u will
have fun with it. For eg, when u pay 20000-30000 for a high end phone how many
users actually access the internet, use most of the apps and software with it. in my
opinion buying a high end phone just to gel with a percieved high end crowd is a
waste of money. but thats just my opinion, some will agree, others disagree. therefore
i dont fit the customer profile of a HTC one or a samsung SIII. i will definately be
unhappy if i buy either one. i will feel they are a waste of good earned money. It
doesnt mean these phones are bad, it just means i should never have bought either
one!!
in the end if u want everything according to ur specifications it will never happen, in

whatever u buy. u cannot have the best for the cheapest cost. the best will be the
costliest and the cheapest will be the least quality. club mahindra comes in between,
its value for money if u want a luxurious resort based holiday. I would definately
recommend a CM membership as i have had quite a good time with them. My family
and relatives who i have taken along with me to the resorts are all happy with what is
offered.
I hope this blog has helped u decide whether a CM membership is worth it or not.
Please be sure of what u want out of ur holiday before u commit hastily for a 25 year
timeshare and regret in leisure!!
REPLY LINK
o Hemant Beniwal February 25, 2013, 2:18 PM

Thanks Arun for sharing this hope this will help readers.
Your analogy of Smart Phone clarifies my point CM is MY mistake.
REPLY LINK
Sujit March 3, 2013, 7:33 AM

Hi All,
i went through lot of discussions above and also gone through the membership
details it thinks its not good to go for club mahindra.
When you visit places, you visit place not resorts.. for next 25 years how can you
think about investing 3-5 lacs for others property.
They said when you plan holidays its like you spend.
60 % in accommodation
20% in travel
20% in food
bullshit..
its..
25 % in accommodation
45% in travel
25% in food
10% in miscellaneous like a bit shopping, medicines etc..
i think self plan and self research is the best way to enjoy
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Sachin S March 4, 2013, 4:08 PM
Hi
Thanks a lot for such a wonderful post.

Let me share my views about Club Mahindra and how I purchased my membership.
Before that let me tell you my background
I am basically a Mechanical Engineer & CFP and now I earn my leaving as a Value
Investor.
So as an Investor I first started analyzing the Business of Club Mahindra and I found
it very interesting. The most interesting fact about the business is that the members
are giving you money to create the assets and as well as to maintain the same (after
25 years Club Mahindra can use same inventory to sell further memberships.) and
not only that, they on their own are going to compete to maintain occupancy in
Clubs resorts, and for some reason if they dont use it the members are at loss and
not the company.
Compare this with any other hotel Industry where the hotel is required to borrow and
pay interest to build the capacity and then to worry about maintaining occupancy in
it.
So according to me its a fantastic business model in long term. BUT The
Market knows this so Mahindra Holidays and Resorts Ltd was quoting at a stiff
valuation of close to 24 P/E (in June 2012)
In stock market the most important factor is the price what you are paying for the
business and as a Value Investor I decided to keep this stock on my radar and wait
for fall in the same.
While analyzing the company and doing my homework (Google.co.in) I came along a
very interesting website enidhy.net where I got a very good analysis of Club
Mahindra Membership from members prospective, not only that long back I had
attended companies marketing presentation and rejected the idea of Buying
Membership from Company after doing lot of calculations.
From enidhi.net I realized that there are lot of members who want to sell
membership most of them had bought the membership without carefully analyzing
their needs, most of them had become pray of Club Mahindra Sales team and are
now unable to use the Membership mostly for following reasons
1) Do not get the time for Holiday
2) Need to plan in advance of 4 to 6 months to get the bookings of popular resorts.
3) Resorts are not in city and food is very costly at resort. Etc
As there is no developed second sell market for timeshare so they are selling it at
distressed price It is like selling of a second hand Car.
Then I realized that buying such a second sell membership dose makes a very good
seance as these are available at 40 to 50% discount to new membership price and in
most of the cases accumulated inventory of Days is also available for immediate
utilization.
And using second sell membership is not like using a used car as it doesnt depreciate
only you get less no of years compared to new one. I realized that in second sell you
pay 40% of price for 80 to 90% of period.
When I discussed with my friends who are existing members I realized that
Membership has got following advantages
1) Locations of most of Resorts are outstanding.
2) Maintenance and service at resort is quite good. It is not as 5 star hotels but
certainly with the standard of 3 to 4 star hotels.
3) You do visit some different places which you will not otherwise visit.
4) It is not compulsory to buy food over their and In Studio apartments you get small
cooking facility like Microwave or so which comes very handy when you are traveling
with children.
5) These resorts are very child friendly and have good and safe facilities to keep
children occupied.
When I analyzed my needs I realized that my children are of age 2 and 7 years and
they will come with me for holidays only for next 8 to 10 years ( I dont think this
generation will travel with parents once they are 16) so for next 10 years I need to
take vacations when they have holidays so I decided to buy Red Studio Mmebership.
I found lot of sell postings for various types of Memberships on quikr.com , olx.com
and also on enidhy.net websites. And after giving couple of offers and bargain I made
a deal of one Red Studio Membership with 23 years left (only 2 years used) for Rs
175000/- ( 55% discount in price for 92% period compare to new membership) and
after doing calculations for PMT considering interest @ 10% on 175000/- my per
Red Studio day cost works out to be Rs 4200/- (Including annual Maintenance
Charges) and my cost further goes down if I travel in white or blue season so I found
it worth at this price. Over a period of time only annual maintenance component of
my cost (which is 40%) is going to inflate with inflation so probably it will be further
cheaper for me few years down the line.
AND I BECAME A MEMBER OF CLUB MAHINDRA.
I bought this membership in June 2012 and till date I visited following resorts
1) Goa verkha 2 times
2) Coorg
3) Austria Inns burg
4) Sherwood Mahabaleshwar 2 times
After visiting these resorts I never regretted my decision to buy the membership in
fact I am very happy with the Membership. Their online resort booking facility is
fantastic and very transparent I found it very convenient as I plan my holidays well in
advance and anyway you can cancel your booking 16 days in advance without any
loss.
One month back I bought one more membership for my Mother which is Red Studio
with 16 years remaining and 21 accumulated days for Rs135000/-
I am a happy member of Club Mahindra and I am waiting for share price of

Mahindra Holidays and Resorts to come down to enter the Stock
REPLY LINK
o Hemant Beniwal March 6, 2013, 6:50 AM

Hi Sachin,
50-60% discount is awesome your value investing strategies are working here
REPLY LINK
Mani March 9, 2013, 8:06 PM
Please do not fall prey to calls from Club Mahindra reps saying that you will be given
free voucher. I was one such person that went for the free voucher only but when
they started explaining their product, I started to convince myself that I should
subscribe. However, before it was too late for me to fall prey to them, something told
me that I should compare their offers with other similar offers. I openly made that
comment and told them that you are going to give me a free voucher and let me
experience your place. I will subscribe to Club Mahindra once I get a feeling of how
the place is and the service is. It will also give me some time to compare your product
with others.
Hearing that a new sales person approached and started narrating the same story
that the first one did. My response was the same. What more was needed, they
wrapped up a 2.5 hour long hard sell and said bye. Not even a thanks. When I
prompted innocently for the voucher, they said they have already sent it through
email. I believed them and walked out hoping that the voucher would have reached
and I can definitely make an attempt and subscribe. Till now I have not received any
voucher that they said as already dispatched through email.
I only thank god now that I did not fall prey to their sales pitch and become a
member. If they are behaving like a cheat even with the voucher, I can imagine how
well they can keep their promises to their subscribers!
So please do not fall prey into the hands of Club Mahindra guys! You will be better off
doing your holiday plan at the point of incidence.
REPLY LINK
o arun rathnam March 10, 2013, 4:35 PM

this is a clear case of muddling up issues. club mahindra does give free vouchers. i
have been able to utilise these free vouchers for a 3 day holiday. But they come with a
catch. do a down payment for the membership and then avail the voucher..
the catch is needed as a room in any club mahindra resort sells for 4000-6000 a
night. u want a holiday worth 12-18000 for just attending an event and listening to a
presentation..isnt that asking for a bit too much?? (just my opinion).
and u also want it under no obligation.at the end of the holiday u will just say i
dont find the resort impressive and walk off..
try asking an apple vendor on the street, give me 1 apple, i will taste it at home and if
i like it i will come back tomorrow and buy a dozen.i hope u get a positive reply!!
best of luck
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Shib March 11, 2013, 6:40 PM

try asking an apple vendor on the street, give me 1 apple, i will taste it at home and if
i like it i will come back tomorrow and buy a dozen.
To which the apple vendor denies straight away, Club Mahindra doesnt. They try to
trap you with tricks, like asking for a credit-card authorization, a cheque, etc and
they charge you without letting you know. They do not let you know the cancellation
charges or the timelines, in short CM doesnt follow ethical practices, hence the
article here to enlighten everyone.
at the end of the holiday u will just say i dont find the resort impressive and walk
off.. yes I will because as a customer I do not find it worth enough to invest (read
trap) my money for 25 years. Current members like me are having a tough time to
get accommodation on desired dates even after paying a hefty membership and each
year additional annual subscription fees. If CM feels it cant give something under
no obligation, it should stop tricking people that they have won a free holiday
voucher.
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o jairaj November 3, 2013, 4:09 AM

buy it second hand on olx it retails for 70% discount. from others who were tricked
into this shit.
REPLY LINK
Ravi Singh March 15, 2013, 2:25 PM
I am a members of CM since 2011 and have availed holidays in Jim Corbett and Goa
(Varca beach). All I can say is, they have Excellent propertis, full of natural
environment. Also, I completely Agree with Sachin S. Its all depend upon your
Personal preference and needs. But I regret paying in full around 368000 in one shot
in 2011 for Red Studio. Had I been properly informed (like Sachin S), I could have
never wasted extra money and would have bought from 2nd hand market. But since I
go vacations twice an year (with one of my close friend and his family), I am planning
to buy another Red Studio from 2nd hand market.
One more thing which I want to point out is. CM Goa Resort (Varca beach) is the
most sought after Resort (by CM members) for vacations and I had no problem in
getting reservation even in peak season (5th Jan 2012) but yes, I booked in 6 months
advance.
Anyways, if I forget the extra amount I paid for new membership (instead of buying
from 2nd hand market), It has been a quite good and satisfying experience for me.
REPLY LINK
Vijay March 22, 2013, 3:58 PM
Joing to the club mahindra membership is my biggest mistake. The fact is their
agents hiding lot of factors which we come to know during the month of march. Ine
of them is ASF, which I was not aware that there is yearly ASF factor of 10,000 extra
payment every year.
I do not understand if they charge 2.65 lacs for 25 years at once, if we keep it in FD
yearly, we get atleast 25,500 @ 10% intrest on the principal amount. Just take the
intrest factor + add the ASF charges they charge ie, 10,000 which is equalent to +/- =
35,000. You can spend a good holiday for lesser amount anywhere in India. This is a
foolish decision i have taken..
I asked club mahindra cancel & refund the money which now they saying that there
is no refund policy.. This is bullshit, infact they should refund the full money with
bank intrest applicable to that much period.
I feel that club mahindra is just cheating the public and are into froud business. If
they are not then they should do their business with honesty & inform the costs
involved at first instance before the person could sign the application
I think, public should aware about club mahindra that they are froud.
REPLY LINK
Sanjeev March 25, 2013, 4:09 PM
Dear Hemant,
It s a never ending debate..

I am also a club mahindra member from past two years. From reading the above post
I think this is a case of buying a product without getting full information about the
product.
I dont agree about the interest accruable on the product.
-If you holiday for australia/newzealand you would end-up paying 2.5-3 lacs for 15-
20 days of trip. Will you calculate interest on it?
-On everything interest is not calculated. will you calculate interest on how much you
have spend on your education or your children education. Similarly, leisure travel in
this era is a must, you should not calculate interest on it.
Its not that hyundai i-20 is a poor product but if your requirement is of honda jazz
and you buy i-20 before having proper info and then claim that i-20 is poori dont
know what to say
At many places you are rightbut if you say club mahindra is fraud.its just not
so.
sanjeev
REPLY LINK
Vijay March 27, 2013, 9:42 AM
Hemant,
I dont agree your comment. If you know for what you are spending then there is no
issue of intrest income. You cannot compare one thing to the other. In that way, I
also traveled Europe holidays, but I know what is going to be my expenses. In that
way I cannot compare the facilities that I got during my travel to Europe to Club
mahindra facilities.
As you say about complete info, Clubmahindra agent did not inform me anything
about ASF charges. I was not aware & when I got the first invoice for ASF charges it
was nothing less than a surprise.. I felt so bad that why I become the member. I felt I
am cheated. If ASF needs to paid then they should have informed in the first
instance. Why they have to hide the info.
By looking about the prepayment of whole amount, not wise investment.

2.65 lacs for 25 years at once, if we keep it in FD yearly, we get atleast 25,500 @ 10%
intrest on the principal amount. Just take the intrest factor + add the ASF charges
they charge ie, 10,000 which is equalent to +/- = 35,000. Still your principal amount
of 2.65Lcs secured in your hand. Tension free.
REPLY LINK
o Amit Sidham March 29, 2013, 6:25 PM
Hi Vijay,
Your calculations of a decent holiday for 1 week at 35k hold valid at todays rate. But
have you factored inflation in the cost of your holidays for next 25 years? It will
become 38.5 k, 42k in year 2 and 3, above Rs. 1 lakh from 13th year onwards and
approx Rs. 3.5 Lakhs in 25th yea (all calculations at 10% inflation). Factoring
inflation, the principal amount will get exhausted by 8th year itself.
Regards
REPLY LINK
jairaj November 3, 2013, 4:14 AM

why dont you guys at club mahindra explain things to the public before you steal
their hard earned money. forget 25 years, there will soon come a time, when you
sales guys would be bashed up on the road the moment someone notices your ID. It
will be considered normal for CM sales guys to get beaten up, just like killing a
cockroach.
REPLY LINK
Sheejo March 29, 2013, 4:47 PM
They denied my refund too. I enrolled to cluba Mahindra in a Travel Mart in BKC,
Mumbai this Januray 2013. I was told all good things about Club Mahindra including
a promo 2 weeks free international stay, etc (Now, I realise this promo is for
everyone) and the moment I gave my cc to the rep (Mr. Tauheed) while I was still
asking questions, he swiped my card. He did not even gave me a day to think and
next day morning when I realised my blunder, I called this guy only to know ( a lie)
there is no cancellation policy. After reading above comments, I got to know there is
10day cancellation period. Now, when I called customer service, they say they cannot
refund anything instead suggested their choice of ONLY ONE resort where I did not
wish to go. I paid a total of 33,000 so far and did not use any Club Mahindra
property. Feel cheated in a BIG way by a leading brand in the market. Let this &
above messages reach one and every individual who might get trapped by Mahindra.
REPLY LINK
Vijay March 30, 2013, 6:41 PM
Hi Amit
I can talk about today!! I dont know about what is going to be next 1 year.. What you
are telling about prediction but it is not neccesary that it should should be true or we
may not be there too to look what is stored.. But yes!!! we can definitely talk about
today with absolute value, which you agree!!
But I can assure you, you can have a lovely holiday for 25K with good resorts in India
even today, not only me even most of the readers will agree this who knows the value
of money.
REPLY LINK
Sumanth April 1, 2013, 9:44 AM
Dear Hemant
Thanks buddy for sharing some of your valuable thougts on Club Mahindra. Never
will i become their member. It would be interesting if someone from Clud Mahindra
responded to your post. They force you to become their members (sometime even
beg). I dont know like their stratergy. If they are so popular, people would be dying to
become their members (I doubt if that can even happen)
REPLY LINK
Yogesh April 8, 2013, 4:07 PM
I have an interesting experience though not with Mahindra in India. I was in the US
in 2001 and went to Florida with my wife. We planned to go to Disneyland the next
day. At our hotel we were told that we could get the Disneyworld entry tickets at 50%
discount (i.e. $25 as against $50, if I remember right). Being true Indians, we
decided to go. We were asked to attend a 2 hr session which we later realised, was the
concept of time-sharing. We were then approached by well-dressed luscious ladies
and brainwashed to subscribe to the membership. Quite a few who attended the
session actually paid up. However, we held our stance of saying no. They then even
went to the extent of insulting us. Thats when I lost my temper, created a ruckus,
collected the 50% discount and walked away laughing! After all, $25 was a good sum
12 yrs ago
Post my return to India, Ive won many prizes in India from Mahindra and other
agencies but Ive never wasted my time on any of them.. Based on the information
in Hemants article and the other comments, I think Im doing right.
REPLY LINK
C. Lakshmi kanthan April 11, 2013, 8:10 PM
Thanks For the Information! you Saved Me
REPLY LINK
Rakesh Kumar April 13, 2013, 7:56 AM
Could u help me about my decision..
I have just become a member of CLUB MAHINDRA .

Studio Purple Rs.700000/-
Which Seoson is better (Purple,red,W.)
Which Room type os better(studio,1 BR)
REPLY LINK

you already entered a very bad season..live with it lol.
REPLY LINK
Abhishek Singh April 21, 2013, 4:25 PM
Club Mahindra!!! The biggest fake on earth.

These guys will trap you in some shopping mall or some other place and they will
write your name, address etc. After some time they will say you have got selected in a
lucky draw organized by them and you will get 5 days/6 nights (numbers may vary)
at their resort and when you will reach the said venue they will trap you and will try
to convince you to buy their plans ( 3-4 hours hours of our precious time is gone in
vain). If you are convinced well and good (you will be trapped) else no prize or lucky
draw will be there.
REPLY LINK
Kapil Budhdev April 22, 2013, 2:33 AM
I got a call from Sterling Holidays
Details of Blue (Off season) Studio (3A or 2A+2C)

I have paid the Down Payment approx 20k (of the total approx 1,55,000) and the
AMC is 3,303 now which will rise as per CPI
I have done my R&D
1. 2003 to 2010 was bad phase for them but now they are turning around again.
2. Rakesh JunJunwala and Damani have made investments in company
3. Cos MD has been changed and within two years loss have significantly reduced
4. Co. bought 3 new properties (so now total 23 resorts) and they have lot of vacant
land (means growth opportunity) also they have renovated some of their properties.
5. As far as my personal criterias
I can definitely go for vacations n plan them well in advance for next 3 to 5 years
6. I am into free look period i.e. I have a week still to cancel and get 100% as per T&C
(now I dont know about Cos intention or their history)
Can anybody please suggest me about credibility, reliability, Resorts, services of
Sterling Holidays Resorts
Please Give ur opinions/instances about Sterling Holidays quickly as I have only

week to decide
Regards
Kapil Budhdev
REPLY LINK

it isnt too hard to judge the guys who plan to create assets from your money. they
are all the same. Remember, our social life style is different from the western world.
Timeshares does not work in India. Club mahindra holidays is available at 60%
discount by people who felt they were cheated. check out on quicker.com or olx.in.
you definately wont make a mistake of marrying the whole girl just because you loved
her nose. Jhunjhunwala keeps selling his shares.
REPLY LINK
Nishant Dabholkar April 24, 2013, 1:30 PM
I have a No ASF membership from Citrus Check Inns, Its a well known group.
The biggest factor tempted me to take these holiday membership is that they dont
have Seasonal Barrier like Club Mahindra, Sterling & other companys have
(Red,white,blue). Secondly, they dont even charge ASF.
Any Reason, Any Season they say.
Its Indias first company without ASF charges.

34 destinations.
2600 Affiliation.
on accumulating, take 75% vouchers instead of your holiday. they dont get lapsed
here.
5yrs plan for 1,20,000/- Fragrance
10yrs plan for 2,25,000/- Lemon
15yrs plan for 3,00,000/- Orange.
Fellas, go for such company.
REPLY LINK
Neeraj May 5, 2013, 1:19 PM
I am also victim of Club Mahindra Membership, you only endup paying money in
name of membership and maintenance, difficult to find room aligning corporate
working and school holidays. this might be good for rich business class who not able
to build their own resort due to XYZ reason.
REPLY LINK
Shib May 6, 2013, 11:48 AM
So many dissatisfied members why not get together and fight it out, through
Consumer court or any other means. I think everyone is waiting for the other person
to take the initiative, then either join him or follow him. Someone who knows
consumer law should suggest what is the best way to move forward and handle those
issues head on. We all have highlighted the problems, lets find a solution now.
REPLY LINK

I have advised similarly elsewhere on this page. I guess it is high time you stopped
getting cheated.
REPLY LINK
viren May 6, 2013, 11:57 AM
Dear All ,
even i did same mistake, deposit around Rs. 24000/- in Feb- 13 but my dear frds
what is the solution to get back ,they are keep on saying next week-2 .Please solve the
problem
regards,
Virender
REPLY LINK

send them a court summon for cheating. it works 100%. and then get some news
channel like bloomberg and cnbc tv18 to broadcast the news. i suggest you do it
collectively. these guys are a threat to your hard earned money.
REPLY LINK
Nandkishor Chaugule May 7, 2013, 3:52 PM
Dear Friends,
Pancard clubs Limited is a group company of Panoramic Group of Companies.

Pancard Clubs Limited is engaged in development & maintenance of Recreation Club
and hotels. Its having 53 pan India Branches, offerings it customers Holiday Option.
An applicant can obtain room nights in advance for a specific period which is offered
to him at a discounted rate than the prevailing rates at the Group own Hotels, Clubs,
Resorts and its affiliations. The biggest benefit to the applicant is that the unutilized
Room Nights do not lapse. The unutilized room nights can be surrendered at an
estimated value declared by the company from time to time.
Not only this further the applicant can avail discount upto 15% on food & non-
alcoholic beverages. Apart from this the applicant can avail the bundled benefits of
mediclaim, Life Insurance & Accidental Death claim.
REPLY LINK
Bhavesh G May 13, 2013, 2:45 PM
Guys
Following are my understanding before you select CM is meant for you and ready to
invest the money.
1) Be clear about resort and hotel. (Find the difference first).
2) Be clear about what is time share and your personality suits the same? E.g. time
management.
3) Be clear about your financials and understanding of the inflation.
4) Be clear about your need of vacation and members joined during vacation.
Please note CM is only and only make sense for you if
1) You are a family man and like luxury.
2) You are going for vacation minimum 2 times in 3 years for 10 days of trip.
3) You are not greedy to see the complete state within 3 days. (e.g. Himarchal trip of
7 days and just running or travelling from one place to other continuously)
4) You can plan well in advance minimum 3 months. (e.g. school going kids parents
can plan well by going for vacation during the their holiday period only. )
5) Understand the increase of inflation. Kerala trip in 2008 cost me Rs. 25000.
Today the same itinerary cost me around Rs. 75000 for family of 2 adult and 2 kids
for 7 days. This is power of inflation. What will be the price of same itinerary in year
2015 and 2020 god knows.
6) CM resorts are luxury resorts and not small time lodge or 1 or 2 star small hotel /
resort. So if you are a person who can compromise the stay in Rs. 1500 / night hotel
during peak season, CM is not for you.
7) If you are a person who would see that food bill does not increase more than Rs.
400 a day (3 meals), CM is not meant for you. In India you can get a meal in 20Rs.
And 2000 Rs. Choice is yours. Luxury always comes with price.
8) There was issue of resorts in past but not now. Many resorts are available now at
various places and locations. Infect average utilization rate is 80% for 2012 and 2013.
This info available on companys website.
9) You are particular about the crowd in swimming pool.
If any of the point is coming NO request for big NO for enrollment as the person do
not belong to time sharing concept and luxury resorts.
Some Advice for purchasing (if you want)

if you are family. (RED and PURPLE is the only season to choose)
If your trip generally not dependent on kids school holidays (Minimum white)
If you do not care of any season and free bird. (Elders only Blue season. Strict no to
youngsters as they will have family if not today after few years and then they will
have conflict of school holidays and CM seasons)
People fall a trap when they do not see the things in black and white. E.g. a family of
2 + 2 school going kids cannot buy blue or white season as school will not have
holidays during that season. And CM will not allow (generally) booking for upgraded
season as that season members are already looking for vacation.
People with family (school going kids) buying blue season is big blunder let it be
cheaper price. Most of the guys fall in trap are of (blue or white season)
REPLY LINK
o Hemant Beniwal May 13, 2013, 7:20 PM

Hi Bhavesh,
Makes sense thanks for taking out time & sharing your views.
REPLY LINK
Ravi Singh May 13, 2013, 8:02 PM
Dear Bhavesh,
Very well said. I really appreciate the time you took to explain everything in so much
details. Even I was having similar feelings but I couldnt find words to express it
myself. I am too a proud member (with family) Red Studio of Club Mahindra and
never regret my decision.
REPLY LINK
arun May 14, 2013, 10:18 AM
dear Bhavesh,
your message was beautifully summed up and gave a lot of pertinant points. the one
about young couples not choosing blue or white season just to save money was spot
on. later on with 2 kids to juggle we feel maybe we made a mistake with club
mahindra.
i would also like to add some more food for thought. when i joined 4 years ago the
number of resorts covered by the membership was 25 (one for every year of holiday)
.now within the last 4 years they have increased it to 41. that also increases my
choice of resorts. thats also a point we have to state in CMs favour.
one more thing i noticed is most of the complaints against CM come in the initial
stage itself when people feel they should have not made a downpayment for the one
time free holiday. therefore it is important to reitrate the fact that a CM membership
is a 25 year long exodus. so please, please spend more time on deciding whether it is
really for you or not. if u go in for it wanting 1 free holiday, then u will have paid a
heavy price!!
REPLY LINK
Navin May 17, 2013, 3:17 PM
I have to say that I too made a big mistake taking Mahindra membership. Take a look
at the below points:
Very difficult to come out of the membership. Big upfront membership fees
Management changes rules whenever they feel like ex., when I joined RED season
was the highest season after which they launched Purple season; They discourage
guests from cooking in the room even though it was encouraged earlier;
Implemented new rules on carry forward wherein holidays lapse after a point
Food rates very high (close to 5 star) Rs 90 for a roti / chapatti; Rs 120 for tea.
Food bill is equivalent to stay + food that you would normally pay in other 3 star
hotels. It looks like Mahindra is trying to manage the entire resort expenses based on
food billings alone
Poor housekeeping and maintenance sheets torn, leaking pipes, blood stains on
bed sheets and towels
Significant increase in annual maintenance fees linked to inflation
Options limited and have to plan 4-6 months in advance if you want the desired
resort and date
REPLY LINK
prerna June 11, 2013, 5:20 PM

I totally agree with u all till u become member they will do big promises after that
they will start cheating and making u fool and waste ur money i request if u r
planning of becoming member dont be they r big cheaters and will do fraud with u
REPLY LINK
sharan June 14, 2013, 12:30 PM
I again fell for their trap and paid the annual subscription of 10,000 ! how to get back
the money is the point
REPLY LINK

legally through consumer court. they will pay immediately
REPLY LINK
Deepak Shenoy July 10, 2013, 12:02 AM
Great stuff Hemant.
A number of people here have commented that the one time payment protects you
against inflation. I have been holidaying every year at least once in Goa and then
other spots and I have not seen ANY serious inflation in high end resort costs
around India.
I went in 2005 to a great cottage in Fort Aguada Beach Resort in Goa for Rs. 60 K for
6 nights (with meal coupons of Rs. 9K included). I went in March 2013 to Goa
(Majorda Beach resort) at Rs. 50K for six nights all meals included. I went to
Holiday Inn in 2011 at 6K a night all meals included. All this is five star hotels in Goa.
In places like Ooty choices have gone up and prices have come down.
Keeping the 2.61 lakhs in the bank makes a lot more sense. On an equated basis, at
10% cost of funds, the cost to you is Rs. 28, 754. Add the Annual Fee (10K) to get to
nearly Rs. 39 K. Food at a resort costs you Rs. 2.5K per day for a family (breakfast,
lunch, dinner), I believe; this will set you back another Rs. 15K. Thats Rs 54K cost
per year. You can get a far better 5 star (Holiday Inn/Majorda) rates for that price,
which will include meals, airport transfers, sight seeing and all sorts of other things.
Supposedly now the rates are up to 3L+, and it makes even lesser sense. Even
thinking non financially, it is a waste: Given the proliferation of resorts, and the fact
that you get cheaper holidays abroad (even after considering airfare+visa), you would
be doing yourself a disfavour locking yourself to one agency called Club Mahindra.
REPLY LINK
o Shib July 10, 2013, 11:56 AM

Excellent observation, and to add to this, not all resorts of Club Mahindra are even
comparable to a 5-star. With Club Mahindra, you do get a can of worms, non-
availability, bad customer service with nowhere to complain, ASF increasing every
year, exorbitant food pricing (as observed earlier), everything is charged extra
(games, sightseeing, pickup-drop). Absolutely agree that they have diminished their
value. Most imp, is CM feels they are doing a trap business, once a customer is
caught in their net, no going away for the next 25 years.
REPLY LINK
o Don March 7, 2016, 2:11 AM
Read all the comments to this article & liked your analysis the best. Thanks,
Mr.Shenoy
REPLY LINK
Geetali Chatterjee July 11, 2013, 11:00 PM
We have taken Club Mahindra membership since 2010 and till now already
deposited nearly 1,66000/- for white studio category out of total fee 2.65 lakhs. We
have not used our facilities till now due to some unavoidable circumstances. Now we
have decide to cancel our membership and want to stop the rest amount of payment.
Please any one suggest me, how I get that paid amount and where I contact.
REPLY LINK
Murugesan July 20, 2013, 12:05 PM
I have a membership with CM for red season. Unable to use the holidays. If anybody
is interested to become a member , I am ready to transfer my membership at a
cheaper cost than the current rate from CM. I have holidays left for 23 years. Thanks.
REPLY LINK
o Anil dattani August 5, 2013, 9:54 AM

Would like to buy a red/purpul season membership if anyone wants to sell at
reasonble rates. .
REPLY LINK
Bharat Jawale August 13, 2014, 11:51 PM

I have red season/ studio membership. I have not utilised any holidays, started from
2013, paid ASF for 2013, 14 days balance, would like to sell. contact me on above
email or my mobile No. 9833187216
REPLY LINK
o nimesh September 1, 2014, 11:16 PM

i wt 2 become a member 9830152895
REPLY LINK
Raveesh Badoni September 2, 2014, 10:45 AM

You may buy my membership I have not availed any benefit of it and I am having
Red membership for studio apartment.
Sending you SMS at your given number.
Regards,
Raveesh Badoni
REPLY LINK
sabitha July 22, 2013, 10:23 AM

Having a Club Mahindra Membership for 6 years now, i really struggle with the
bookings every time. I own a red studio but never do i have rooms available
whenever i need. I finally end up adjusting to the dates available with them just bcoz
i done want my days to lapse. Yes , while buying this membership, i also was made lot
of false promises. Being such a reputed company, i guess they should not use such
cheap means for business. Im more pleased with RCI as there have more choiceyes
only issue is you have to take a holiday for 1 week which most of the time is not
feasible. I too want to get rid of Mahindra membershiplike all say..there are no
buyers..
REPLY LINK
o subu June 20, 2015, 7:07 PM

I think lets join together form a group of around 25 to 30 discuss with legal experts
or journalists if they can help us . I m sure once were a group plan it atleast they will
listen as bad reputation might come and it will come to notice of many
Let form a common mail id any one can create and share a id / similar discussion
which we can re initiate
REPLY LINK
sabitha July 22, 2013, 10:25 AM
Having a Club Mahindra Membership for 6 years now, i really struggle with the
bookings every time. I own a red studio but never do i have rooms available
whenever i need. I finally end up adjusting to the dates available with them just bcoz
i done want my days to lapse. When i have paid such a huge amount , cmon why
should i adjust.. .. i get much better deals & in such lovely locations via make my trip
or yatra & as per my requirement.Yes , while buying this membership, i also was
made lot of false promises. Being such a reputed company, i guess they should not
use such cheap means for business. Im more pleased with RCI as there have more
choiceyes only issue is you have to take a holiday for 1 week which most of the time
is not feasible. I too want to get rid of Mahindra membershiplike all say..there are
no buyers..
REPLY LINK
Deepak Bhatt July 23, 2013, 4:58 PM
Guys, i have read most of the comments above and i am happy that we have saved
ourself from enrolling in to this dirty trap. I went and attended the 45 min session in
which i was not requested but put in such a way that if you dont enroll you are a fool,
and the Sales Manager named Anand was talking as if he has verbal direa. I was just
contolling myself not to loose, and he was clear that they dont need all customers as
in a day they make 4 to 5 converts and they are happy to fool those inocent ones.
Morever the offer they give or rather promise to attend the session is also bogus. It is
just to bring you to them and upfront it was told that they are not sure if I will be able
to avail the offer and they themselves do not appreciate it (free 2 days stay).
High time for Mahindras to realize, there is better way to make money. Money can be
earned back but a lost name can not.
REPLY LINK
Mythily Nair August 1, 2013, 3:46 PM

Hi,
We bought our Club Mahindra membership in 2008 and have been to 8 of their
properties so far, including Bangkok. Overall, we have never regretted the
membership, always enjoyed our holidays and have personal care through-out.
With two small kids, the holidays at the club resorts have always been fun and
relaxing.
Would like you to take their offer on a free holiday and see how it is.
Guess it is not for everyone, but dont go by what you read. Check it for yourself.
Regards,
Mythily
REPLY LINK

are you a sales person for CM?
REPLY LINK
Debasish August 5, 2013, 10:18 AM
All are use less, club mahindra, Blub mahindra, country club
Why not you buy directly online, today 90% buy sell available in internet
so share you internet and search best resort and hotel what you need,
dont waste your money 2 to 4 luck, batter you deposit in bank fd every year you earn
16 to 40 thousand you can enjoy at your won budget.
Free advice buy one get one free
Thanks
Debasish
REPLY LINK
Anil dattani August 5, 2013, 1:47 PM
Anil dattani Would like to buy a red/purpul season membership if anyone wants to
sell at reasonble rates. .
REPLY LINK
Jaygee August 5, 2013, 3:15 PM
Were members with club mahindra since 2002 and it had been a hate-love
relationship. the hate part is when you have to call in and reserve a decent holiday,
love part is when you enjoy a superb meal at their resort- ooty has been our families
favorite last minute holiday destination- we fell in love with ooty when we visited
club mahindra danish villa untill then we had a very much cliched notion for ooty-
danish villa is a place perfect for family holiday unfortunately that was taken up by
zest (club mahindra sis concern), and then with a hiatus of about a year club
mahindra derby green was opened in the exact same place where the erstwhile
dasprakash was situated of course with the touch of club mahindras interiors, i was
guest to this property during the 1st year, i was happy with the property, but this time
round it seems that club mahindra has become extremely ambitious and made it a lil
more commercial than the niche product it used to be, i am surprised by the way club
mahindra has maintained this property, lousy couches in the room, we even had a
visitor except that we had to jump on the couch as soon the visitor entered sniffing
around for food, lifting its black tail, probably we could have made history by
sketching this visitor if we could hold our wits oops mickey mouse-tom & jerry have
already made big small & medium screens. Lets start with the check in procedure-
calling 39880000 and negotiating a deal for which youve already paid up is surely a
class to attend to learn negotiating skills-id advise for those who wish to become
members-that there is no need to pay expensive membership fee and annual
subscriptions-instead be smart go online to several travel sites book yourself a
holiday at club mahindra or even sometimes some better options at the same price
range. being a member i feel has no advantage. club mahindra has many tricks up its
sleeves, 1st they offer 2nights 3days gift vouchers via lucky draw so these promotions
take up most of the inventory they have for members, for argument sake club
mahindra says that these vouchers are for off peak season, and peak season is strictly
for members, during peak season resorts are over booked along with the gimmicks of
club mahindra, and during off peak the resorts are sold outside membership or lucky
drawn so when do members get to travel? all we have to do is to call up 39880000
and draw battle lines. now the resorts our most recent trip to ooty derby green club
mahindra is capable of throwing nasty surprises at you, the rooms are in shabby
condition, the toilets stench, the sheets are damp, the change in quality is visible, the
furniture including the doors are in worst conditions, i can actually draw up a hocus
focus of photos from then and now of club mahindra derby green. the rooms are a big
dampner.
service- service was commendable-people are responsive but its like sliting your
throat with a silver knife.
Food- Food is great, presentation, quality & taste are all at par.
The problem is with a unruly reservation system where members have no say the
online reservation is just an eyewash, the complete inventory is never provided to
members but also sold outside the membership when club mahindra is an exclusive
members only organisation.
back in 2002 when we decided to become members of club mahindra after being
invited to club mahindra munnar it was a pleasure experience, we intended to
become members for purple season but the salesman discouraged us and pushed us
to become members for the red season telling us that wed be just throwing money if
we take up purple season as it is the highest and red being just one level below will
satisfy all our holiday needs, but we never realised that we are not welcome for
certain resorts during peak season like club mahindra goa for over 10years in our
membership we have hardly traveled during red season and never to goa during the
new years, does it take 10 long years to holiday at a place we wish to and at a time we
wish to. every time we call up for reservations for club mahindra goa to stay during
the new years we are turned down saying that it is full and it gets full at least a year
before. during the last couple of weeks i have raised these issues with club mahindra
member relations who have infact revealed many facts to me about their process and
have agreed that they sell holidays outside member ships but only during off peak
they say it optimises the costs and lowers the annual subscription costs, my
arguement is that over the years the subscription costs have never been lowered but
only hiked and that too on a year on year basis also when we have already paid for
our subscription along side one lakh twenty thousand members with one time
membership fees which when calculated clearly shows that the inventory is already
sold and the money paid up the only pending thing in the process is the guest to
come and experience the stay for which they have paid, however club mahindra
throws away this inventory to lucky draws and selling outside memberships. It is
extrememly dis heartening to see club mahindra resorts being sold online and by
travel agents while we have to fight, haggle with their member relations for a decent
holiday.
membership with club mahindra makes no meaning and sense.
REPLY LINK

The online reservation is dubious & not transparent- After voicig out our concerns
online like mouthshut & facebook page i got a call from customer greivances
redressal and offered me 1BR at goa emerald palms for december during the
newyears while online there is no availability-so where did this inventory come from?
REPLY LINK
Shib August 5, 2013, 4:01 PM
Same happened to me I stopped making their EMI payments, lodged a complaint n

informed that I was going ahead with a consumer court case their official came up
with a solution that whenever you do not get an accommodation, I give a call to him
directly or to his Vashi office, and they will sort it out. I asked him why so much a of a
privilege for me and that just means even their online reservation system is rigged
and they work to their advantage !
REPLY LINK
some one called nachamai called me and i spoke to her boss Mr. Gopal who has
emailed me, he left his number which he claimed to be his direct number but when i
tried calling it just went to ther call centre number and the lady who answered the
call promised me a call back from Mr. Gopal which never happened. its been more
than 48hrs since a call back has been promised most unprofessional company i have
seen.
REPLY LINK
Avtar August 5, 2013, 11:00 PM
Avoid becoming members of Club mahindra
Kindly cancel our membership & refund our money with interest & harassment done
to our family members for 25yrs wrong promises. As advised earlier as per our
profile our membership was upgraded to RED from WHITE on company advise to
avoid reservations booking hassles.
As advised earlier last year we have lost Rs30,000/- on travel cancellations due to
mis-match of travel bookings.
This year too 45days before holidays we are struggling for booking.
REPLY LINK
Nihar August 6, 2013, 11:40 AM
Thanks for this blog. I was interested in Club Mahindra and decided to do little
research before I call them. I changed my mind after reading this page. It appears
that they suck really bad.
REPLY LINK
Bhavesh G August 17, 2013, 2:24 PM

One more post from me
Without any prejudice Calculation : Keeping money in bank and go for vacation or
buy CM membership
Let us assume you have Red Studio : Cost around 5,00,000 or You keep the same in
your bank account
Summer Vacation 2013 : You decide for 7 day trip to Himachal : + 4 start hotel
generally charge you around : Rs. 30000 per person. With two kid it is around Rs.
1,00,000.
So after your trip you are left with 4,00,000 Rs. YOU get interest (for sake of ease
10% per anum) at the end of year you will have 4,40,000Rs. In account.
Diwali Vacation 2014 : You decide for 7 day trip to Kerala : + 4start hotel generally
charge you around Rs. 40000 per person. With two kids it is around 1,20,000.
So after your trip you left with 4,40,000-1,20,000 = 3,20,000.
So on and so forth
Roughly after max 8 to 10 years you balance with your paid amount of CM holidays.
After that it is all free holidays for > 15 years only addition is you pay ASF.
God knows what will be the hotel charges in year 2020..:)
REPLY LINK
o Jaygee September 5, 2013, 3:01 PM

Mr. Bhavesh you are correct with your calculations, from your perspective club
mahindra may be a good investement-however youve not noticed a few aspects of
club mahindra 1) it does not have any rating such as 3* or 4* there is no service
gaurantee, there is no gaurantee of us travelling to a location and on our schedule, it
is not flexible, CM expects us to book atleast 3months ahead even railway tickets
cannot be purchased 3months before, in many instances resorts are full either due to
holiday rush or gift vouchers, im not a financial expert however id like to
understand better if we view our investement this way im a red studio member my
annual subscription is close to 13k p.a and expected to rise in near future and will
increase over the years i definetly expect this to shoot up to 20000/- p.a in the next
5years, at this rate YOY average annual subs p.a for 25 years is around 15k which
adds upto 3,75,000/- keeping in mind that to book rooms with CM we must have a
time window of 3months- in the same time frame one can obtain discounted room
tariffs along with travel options including flights for a range of hotels starting from 3*
to 5* the advantage is that our holiday can be flexible in comparison to CM. the
probability of travelling abroad with similar budgets and time frame is possible, on
an average we spend roughly about 5k per day on CM holidays incl travel, F&B & etc
for CM resorts in driving range, for CM resorts which require multi modal transport
and more than 12 hrs journey by road the expense can be 8k per day if we split 7days
holiday as 2days driving range and 5days as mulitmodal our average holiday spend
will be 50k (avg) plus 15k annual subscription that comes up to 65k for 2ppl, let
alone the initial membership fees. on the contrary if we deposit this 5lakhs in bank
and earn an avg interest of 9% amount 45k plus annual subs 15k(which we save when
we dont pay CM) =60k incase we chose to pay CM by EMI then the remainder of 5k+
will be saved in terms of interest paid on funding (in comparison)- If we forego CM
and chose to spend 65k on holidays in India and abroad(CM charges extra for
overseas holidays for per night which is not included in the costings) for 2ppl we can
cover several destinations in India or choice of less expensive holiday destinations
abroad in a 3* property around the season of our red studio membership which does
not entitle us for peak/purple season holiday in CM, and the best part is when we
return from our holiday we know we have a FD of 5lakhs which is fetching us a
interest, but when we return from a CM holiday we know the pain to get a decent
room, haggle for our time share, coax or threaten for good service, and surely Rs.
5lakhs poorer.
REPLY LINK
Bhavesh G August 17, 2013, 2:37 PM
Looks like internet and this type of blogs have become a frustration(any kind :):))
throwing area
You go to any site for better understanding of any item..you will find negativity only
e.g. i wanted to buy a flat in pune. searched many website and blog i did not find any
good comment but only frustrationinfect blogs suggested that best builder of pune
are also junk..then where to go.you should not buy flat or what.
this blog is also looks same.
anywayswise people are still alive
REPLY LINK
o arun Rathnam August 19, 2013, 9:38 AM

Dear Bhavesh,
the problem is that happy customers are happy. they dont usually come back to give
their opinion. unhappy customers are very vocal about their displeasure.any kind
of huge product like flats, time share holidays etc will have happy and unhappy
customers..
REPLY LINK
SUDHISH R August 19, 2013, 9:01 PM
Hi Hemant
I agree with you in many points explained . I hold a zest membership since 2004 and
recently started getting offers for upgrading it to club Mahindra . While I was
validating the offers , I happened to go through your posts.
When the product Zest was offered to me , the sales rep had explained be about the
features like booking with short notice , new resorts coming up etc .. etc but I was
never able to book any of the resorts according to my plan- finally resulting in
aligning my holiday plans holidays according to the booking availability ( which I
could have done with any other good hotel). There was no increase in number of
resorts the past 3 years but one got reduced ( swamy malai).
It was also explained to me that even I can have booking in Club mahindra resorts at
discounted price . But when enquired , neither Call center or resort managers were
able to provide clear answer for this .
Positive factors Resorts are well located and offers comfortable stay .
REPLY LINK
nkvinayak August 30, 2013, 3:01 PM
I was enticed by the Club Mahindra persons through a call to get a gift in a free
session of about 2 hours in a private hotel at Solan in the year 2011. I after attending
the session was told to sign some papers and give a cheque of Rs. 17000/- approx.
and given a three days two nights free gift coupon for stay in any Club Mahindra
Resorts. This was valid for six months. In the papers they got my signature and other
details the mahindra persons made me their club member for studio type of
accommodation & my membership of around 2,75,000/- was split into 4 years EMIs.
I started giving them regular EMIs till the year 2013 upto July, 13. Rather I paid
them my EMIs half yearly basis. But to my utmost shocking I got a letter from the
Club Mahindra dated 1st April, 13 in July, 13 wherein a sum of Rs. 11,900/-approx
has been demanded towards the Annual Maintance Charge for which till then I had
never been informed. Even the free gift coupon which had been given to me at the
time of my taking membership never materialised as the Mahindra people never
responded to my requests for its redemption till now. In nutshell I got nothing from
the Club Mahindra till now. Even though a hefty amount is being charged by them
from the customers like me who are also enticed in their web & once caught will have
to loose everthing & nothing to gain. Now when I called upon them to cancel the
membership I was suggested not to cancel it because you wont be getting the refund
of your amount rather I would be in your interest to sell it off to others & that way
you will be getting back your money that you have spent for the membership. Now I
am waiting for the buyers but dont know why not the Govt. or such other bodies
which are entrusted with the jobs of such cheating by the firms not doing anything.
The money in crores is being fleeced by such companies. This type of company can be
compared to a company who is selling the product to the customers by charging hefty
amount but still keeping the same product to itself and not giving anything to the
customers. Yet the customers have nothing or no right to demand back the refund.
thanks.
REPLY LINK

Consumer court will ensure refund. give it a try. others are doing it too.
REPLY LINK
Vijay August 31, 2013, 4:24 PM

This is the similar thing happened to me about the voucher & ASF charges. They have
not informed me about yearly ASF. Why members should pay the yearly ASF charges
or their property maintenance charges ??? Is their property after 25 years going to be
in my name ???
My only complain is if the ASF should be paid then why their agents hide this info &
trying to fool people ?
REPLY LINK
PRAMOD JAIN September 2, 2013, 8:16 PM
you saved me
REPLY LINK
Yogesh September 5, 2013, 1:02 PM
i have paid 1.5 lakhs till now. still 35000 remain. planning to stop memebership. let
all weste.
REPLY LINK
Swapan Garain September 12, 2013, 12:48 PM

Dear Sir
I joined Club Mahendra White Membership for 25 years on September 08, 2013 at
your K-Star Mall Chembur office.
This is to request you to cancel my Club Membership and refund my money paid. As
per your 10 days cooling period, pl refund my full amount.
A line of confirmation will be appreciated.
Swapan Garain
Cell: 98690
Email: Garain.
REPLY LINK
Swapnil September 28, 2013, 11:01 PM
If anything sounds too good to be true, it may not be true, do not believe.
If anyone tries to sell too hard, its not worth it, do not invest.
If something seems to be wrong, it probably is, investigate or back off.
There are many scams floating around in large metros, feeding off peoples needs,
desperation and situation. These are insensitive people who work for insensitive
organizations who will try anything and everything to get your hard earned money,
they have sold their souls.
These scams range from well polished time-share schemes to blatant roadside
robbery. Some of these enlisted below and to be avoided by everyone, especially
those living in Metros.
1. Club Membership (Various) Avoided
2. Fixed Deposit Investment (Suman Motels) Trapped
3. Time-Share (Various) Avoided
4. Persons stopping you saying your Car Engine is on Fire, offer to help and then
replace car part with duplicate part. (Ghodbunder Road) Trapped
5. Currency Note on Road Avoided
(As a rule never try to pick up currency/coins, if its not yours)
6. Unit Linked Policy Trapped
7. Cure for Medical Condition Trapped
(Got trapped 1st time, came across 2nd time avoided)
8. Car Rental Scheme (City Limousines) Avoided
9. Teak / Rubber Plantation Investments Avoided
10. Magnetic Bed / Mattress (Japan Life) Avoided
12. Charged higher amount on Taxi/Auto Meter Trapped/Avoided Sometimes
(Dont bother to check when in hurry, only to realize later)
13. Airport Taxi (Touts) Avoided (almost got trapped)
14. Meeru & Mega Cab Services Cab does not Turn up.
(Almost missed flight with mega cabs and train with Meeru cabs, had to make
alternate arrangements at the last minute)
15. Mediclaim Policy (New India) Trapped
16. Email Scams (Various) Avoided
and who knows how many more types of scams other people have got trapped into,
I only wish people will learn from their mistakes and other peoples mistakes.
Word of Advise:
Avoid Telemarketing Callsits where it all begins.
Be InformedInformation is power
(Rules/Regulations/Fine Print/Conditions Apply/Risks)
Do Research (no impulsive decisions)will save you from heartbreak later.
Be wary of the sweet talking sales person, he will lie to sell.
REPLY LINK
kRISH October 9, 2013, 5:33 PM
yOU HAVE OPENEDTHE EYES OF MANY N SAVED MANY FROM THIS

WRITING.
REPLY LINK
Nag October 27, 2013, 4:49 PM
Thanks to Hemat for this outstanding blog. I am a victim of Royal Goan Beach Club
which I bought in 2008 for 1.5 lakhs, alternate year membership, Red studio.
Are there other RGBC members reading this blog, if so how much ASF are you paying
for a red studio, I paid around 12, 776 pre-tax in 2012, but now after doing a reverse
calc from the artices here, they have increased the ASF 20% every 2 yearsThis is
exorbitant by any standards another thing I observed is in RGBC (do not know
CM), I saw that you can book any resort from online sites like expedia, travelguru
and such offers have breakfast included with relaxed check-in/check out timingsso
while some of the people out here are positive on timeshare holidays, I agree more on
the people who are against it as you can buy things online cheaper (even if you want
CM or RGBC) and host of other options rather than get stuck at one group. Another
key thing is in all products we use, we use first, then payin timeshare, we have
pay upfront and use later..service and availability is your luck..like I see some are
lucky here who are happy while most (90%) are unhappy. I think if you do noy pay
money you have better bargaining rights then if you are member/owner of one of
these resorts having paid in full for 25 yrs and deemed to pay ASF..whether you use
holiday or not..you have lost all bargaining powerthe money is gone!! I think it is
sunk cost, if you want to come outso what is option for coming out..stop paying
ASF fee, does it work? I know what you paid for 25 yrs is gone, at the least, we can
save ongoing costs..like say cut the losses in share market and get out or keep poring
more till you break even (like someone said after 8-10 yrs)
REPLY LINK
Kalpak vartak October 29, 2013, 2:36 PM
I do agree that we have been fooled by purchasing membership of club Mahindra.all

time share salers are cheaters,they dont disclose many things,Once u get trapped
they try to squeeze u,and u r helpless.
Pl.suggest any possible way out to avoid this squeezing year after year .
Every year they sell many such memberships, Can we get few fools to purchase our
membership at discounted rate?is there any BROKER available?
REPLY LINK
o sachin October 30, 2013, 3:26 PM

you can contact me on pathfinderpune@hotmail.com with details of your CM
membership, I am interested in buying membership.
REPLY LINK
Kalpak vartak November 6, 2013, 1:57 PM
All of us are cheated by them.ok. What is way out? My all learned friends
pl.suggest.otherwise just gathering more numbers for loud cry.
REPLY LINK
yogesh November 6, 2013, 3:30 PM
hi friends. i have also similar posting against club mahindra few days before i
have mentioned i am ready to loose 1.75 lakhs as my membership is now 4 years old,
and not visited any resort..I was so much frustrated of emi + yearly asf. however i
am now changing my opinion and visited Goa in club mahindras resort.
i checked/analysis myself and my close friends (members) frustration. it is not

compulsory to read however if you agree somewhat to it then its a really great
package visit at least one resort.
1.
I stays in Mumbai. doing service in IT company. have enough budget for holidays
thats why on advertisement call i purchased this package and start dreaming
2.
however as working in office, i found my problems that i could not planned my
Holiday before 2 months as i am in projects .. projects travelling is always
unexpected. could not plan it before 2 months. .. .. i think that is my problem as
service person (or general problem for all)
3.
then i started thinking i will use it for weekends.. however there is no resort near
to Mumbai or only one in mahabaleshware for Maharashtra this i didnot give
importance at the time of purchasing. . .. .. i think that is my problem as
mumbaikar (or general problem for all)
it is best for people lives in south and east India, they could use it on weekends. from
Mumbai its difficult.
4.
i was aware there is no nearby resort for CM from mumbai i was in dreaming i
purchased something blockbuster holiday package.
.because of it i could not make any holiday club mahindra in 4 years. and above it
in four years i paid 1.75 lakhs + (20000) asf. that makes huge anger on club
mahindra. and that i ask them to stop my membership i was planning to go in
consumer court.
if you see all my problem (may be everyone in mumbai). . . . .and i agreed to it and i
accepted it.
meanwhile there was one CM representative in Vashi branch Santosh Lokhande

call me (talk to him only, i have very bad experience of other CM office staff).. and
asked me just forget anger of ASF and listened my all queries. he asked me to go for
one holiday plan it and then take decision what is mean by Holiday Resorts.
believing him and with no interest i went for one forced holiday. and my thinking
changed about CM. i accept my personal problems for not taking holidays. and
what i was missing the best Hotel accommodation resort of international qualities
and service offered by club mahindra, and for which i have paid.
i will advice all of my friends we have already paid so much of money so go for it
go for at-least one holiday. that will relax your mind change the view about CM. it is
really great deal for 25 year if YOU use it otherwise it is a nightmare.
i dont know how many of above friends have taken at-least one holiday of CM. i
request/suggest just go for your first holiday of your dream package you have
invested in. best luck. get one experience of money you invested for your dream
holiday.
one of CM member like you

yogesh raut.
REPLY LINK
o dhil December 19, 2013, 4:13 PM

dear yogesh,
the club mahindra lake pavna tungi lonavala resort is near mumbai. though not as far
as mahabaleshwar.you should be aware enough to know the CM resorts. this resort is
not mentioned in the CM website due to some land owned issues.this is the best
resort of club mahindra.there are 4 swimming pools,3 restaurants,and the best
suites.there is a toy train carrying you from the first villa to the last villa from the
reception.you cannot blame them for your mistake of not being aware if other
resorts.
REPLY LINK
yogesh January 29, 2014, 10:20 AM

Hi dhil,
great information.
if it is available in Lonavala then nothing like it for Mumbaikars.
if i could use my holidays near by place will be great, Thanks for information. i will
check it.
REPLY LINK
Jaison November 27, 2013, 8:33 AM
Holdiay package is scam in India. we do not get accomodation when need.

I had similar experience. getting a common date within family memebers is difficulty
and on that accomodation wont be available. we cannot use this scheme.
REPLY LINK
Ravneet Chadha November 30, 2013, 2:28 PM

Iam really disappointed with club mahindra service. I wish to withdraw as a member
due to their inconsiderate attitude their customers.
REPLY LINK
Kailash December 24, 2013, 2:09 PM
Shared just now on FB.Very Good Article By Hemant.
REPLY LINK
Suraj December 25, 2013, 1:04 PM
All you guys file a case against club Mahindra Because Gali Gali Me Shor
Club Mahindra wale Chor hai
REPLY LINK
ashish shah December 30, 2013, 3:02 PM
i want to sale my week of club mahindra white member at rs. 35000.00 and it is last
price. i f any one intrested then mail me thanks
REPLY LINK
Asif January 11, 2014, 12:39 PM
Hi, I think Club Mahindra trained their Sales team in manner that they should report
the office with100 cheques otherwise they will not get their salary.
As I was going through the comment and review, I totally agreed about their rude
behavior, un professional behavior even I found them humiliating the client if you
call them for presentation and not buy the products.
Few Names I dealt with was Mr. Khan, Mr. Sunil Tiwari. They even comment to a
extent of your inability to purchase their product. The Comment I got was You can
not afford our product then why you called me ?
I am very much sure, the whole management of CM is involved in this.
Just beware and dont called their Sales man for presentation.
REPLY LINK
Swati January 14, 2014, 1:37 PM
i read so many reviews about club mahindra. If club mahindra has Good name &
fame then why they are cheating customers? & why none of action taken against
them? It should get publish so others can aware of this.
REPLY LINK
Kiran January 23, 2014, 1:14 AM
I think I will be the best person to review Club Mahindra ,

Reason : I have used/stayed in Club Mahindra resorts and not with my money. Thats
because my wife is working in a company where we are offered 2N/3Days free
accommodation/ year @ any Club Mahindra resorts
My Advise : Stay away from Club Mahindra , I always think that we are lucky enough
to stay @ club mahindra for free and got opportunity to see whats the truth,
otherwise we also would have been in a trap sometime may be because of their
advertising or false promises.
I totally agree with the guy who reviewed
REPLY LINK
sheela January 27, 2014, 9:23 PM
I totally agree with all the adverse comments abt CM, we were members since 2007
and saw maint escalate more than 1 grand a yr even tho we had 1brm apt red time,
it was difficult to get bookings at short notice and of course since purple became the
new kid on the block, all festive seasons were barred.
After much anger and frustration, we have finally sold our membership thru an
agent, well below our purchase price atleast its a relief not to have to monitor our
holiday quota and worry abt not using available days.
The new buyer has probably benefited the most and so has the agent who made a tidy
commission, while we poor innocents who got duped into buying it are the sore
losers.
Doesnt Mr.Anand Mahindra (who from all reports is an ethical businessman) ever
get to read all this feedback? So many unhappy members who cannot find a solution
to their problem what a sad situation.
REPLY LINK
laxmi January 28, 2014, 4:43 PM
Club Mahindra is a big bull shit , make false promises and do not fulfill them.
they make customers showing lucrative offers but never do give them.
They are rediculous , i would request all people never to join Club mahindra because
it is false and fake.
REPLY LINK
nkvinayak January 29, 2014, 2:15 PM
I am also a sufferer of this cheating club. I have paid almost 90ooo/- to 1 Lac.
towards the membership and intend to sell it off now as I don,t intend to persue the
same. Afterall its out hard earned money. I dont understand as to what shall be done
as they are telling that the refund is not possible. I also could not sell if off till to-day.
Kindly guide.
REPLY LINK
Rajshekharayya February 1, 2014, 11:45 AM
Thank you very much Hemant. Very nice and comprehensive analysis. It is also a
very balanced analysis when you stress that one should match the product to ones
own interests. I am sure this will be a very useful analysis for lot of people.
REPLY LINK
Gaurav Ambasht February 1, 2014, 3:01 PM
Yes, there are a lot of companies cheating people. But while taking club mahindra no
body assumes that they will also be of the same type.
Earlier there were three categories. The person in lowest category was a untouchable.
Then they added one more and now the two lowest are untouchables.
Tomorrow they will add another and even red category will become untouchable .
Hope people understand that.
REPLY LINK
Dr shailesh jayade February 5, 2014, 9:12 PM
club mahindra is a fraud companythey are cheating with usdont go for club
mahindra, u will never get a booking of ur choice
REPLY LINK
Johnson February 6, 2014, 2:52 PM
Thank you all sharing club Mahindra information.
REPLY LINK
Swati February 10, 2014, 1:30 PM
Hi we got our money back.yes..after reading this all feedback only we immediately
demand for cancellationafter lot of followup we are successful to cancel our plan &
we got our all money back.Thank you
REPLY LINK
Rupankar February 12, 2014, 8:55 PM
I also got my money back, thanks some samaritan posting online the requirement.
One need to put your cancellation request in writing within the stipulated 10 lookin
days. email them and send a fax to be double sure. Keep a copy of fax transmission
receipt and also mail a copy og request to self. Believe me these will come handy. You
need to prove that you had submitted cancelleation request before expiert of lookin
period. The sales guy tried to talk me into delaying the process once I decided to
cancel, even sent a rep to pursue me from dropping or actually tricking me into
delaying beyond 10 days. As I had did all the above, I got my money back without any
hassles.
REPLY LINK
Rajesh Muley February 13, 2014, 3:01 PM
I am a member of club mahaindra. I want to avail the facility to make my trip to ooty,
but the response from the Club mahindra is very poor. It is requested to returns my
money immediately.
REPLY LINK
Ashok Kamath February 17, 2014, 5:27 PM
I have had quite the same negative experience as many memebers have posted here.
Their sales person (who claimed to be an employee , later I learnt she was a DSA ,
though she carries a CMHM visiting card) lied and told me they have home stays and
pet frindly properties (knowing i had a pet dog and liked to vacation with it) . I ended
up signing up for the Red tier and also paid 50% upfront as they threw a number of
incentives. Now I realize I can hardly get a booking even on day 1 the booking opens
(for 4 months advance now) something is clearly amiss. I am asking for a refund
but they tell me pay up the entire membership fee and the we will give me back 40%)
after a number of deductions, including the incentives thrown in !!. This is a classic
case of being trapped by the fine print in the contract (which you get to see later). I
am contemplating lagal action- I know its going to be a long fight, but we need to put
this company is place. If any of the other aggreived members would like to join for a
combined class action against this corporate please drop me a note
(ashok.kamath23@gmail.com)
REPLY LINK
HITESH February 24, 2014, 1:23 PM
PERFECT POST and follow ups posts. A True Disaster decision.
Still if someone wants to ruin their finances and get into trouble, please go ahead and
buy this blunder. Even I can resell mine for very less in compared to now prices. Pls
dont get attracted by freebies they give. This is just like a mouse trapper bread and
once you are trapped you cannot do anything but to regret which I and many of my
friends are doing.
One question I put You are paying for 7 days of a particular season. So do you
OWN these 7 days and make your decision. The answer is a big NO. These 7 days are
also at their mercy. Pls read the terms and conditions.
If you even read their terms and conditions you will never buy this blunder.
All restrictions are there for members in peak seasons which are red and purple and
obviously this covers all holidays or even the weeks where there are 2-3 holidays
together in even rainy seasons.
In peak seasons
You cannot take guest with you. Limit on the number of rooms.
You cannot gift/rent the membership even if you hold highest season as even if they
claim it is just for off season.
Every kind of limitation and restrictions for a member in peak seasons.
Whereas in the post itself you can find that you can buy in that period in 5k in peak
season. Dont you think this is wrong when you dont get multiple apartments in peak
season and a non member gets all the priviledges in just 5k for a day in the peak
season. Is it really worth becoming a member then. Why you pay for a peak season ?
Just to hear that a non member travels in 5k whereas you are deprived off still after
paying so much.
So what you are doing is you paying for off season holidays in advance at a limited no
of resorts.
Pls consider this before buying.
I will also ask a question here.

Can all of us who are not happy take a action against this fraudulent company. Is
there any such option. Old saying UNITY has STRENGTH. Can such a unity be
created to teach this fraudulent company and stop all others being fooled by them.
Please discuss. hiteshanchalia@hotmail.com
REPLY LINK
Sonali February 28, 2014, 5:03 PM
whats your view about sterling holidays?
REPLY LINK
o kk February 28, 2014, 5:40 PM

Sonali,
Club mahindra resorts are much better than Sterlings.
Though sterling has larger number of days per year 7+ bonus 7.
I am not a member of either but have stayed in CM @ coorg, sterling @munnar and
seen CM property in munnar.
REPLY LINK
Sonali March 3, 2014, 10:32 AM

okeythanks for your views
REPLY LINK
shailesh mehta March 13, 2014, 11:45 AM
CHEATING BY Club Mahindra Holidays

offered 4 ticket of movie and 2 night stay but instead of giving ticket they had
provided voucher of Cine Rewardz and after completing all procedure of Cine
Rewardz including registration + key word etc. Cine Rewardzhad sent email that
they will send movie ticket but till today we have not received any ticket. Also
telephone no. of Cine Rewardz are not responding.
This is total cheating with public by club Mahindra+ Cine Reward
This is to just check mentality and approach of Club mahindra. It finally gives feel
that they are not interested to keep their word,.. nor they have any systems to
understand problem of customer. Once their purpose is over, than you are no body
for them.
REPLY LINK
dr amber March 29, 2014, 4:12 PM
Thank you so much. I almost bought the membership!!!

I had the CM sales guys pitch in yesterday.I paid a sum of 2k for blocking which he
assured will be returned in case we dont take the membership and now he bluntly
refuses for the refund( classic club mahindra).
REPLY LINK
PKT April 5, 2014, 11:52 PM

After reading all the comments and discussion, I can say that We The Indians are still
not smart enough to know how to utilize Time Share, in fact most of above would not
be knowing what Time Share concept is. So proudly accept that we are at fault who
are not smart enough and completely unplanned. I am not saying this cuz I am an
employee or whatsoever but because I know the reality and benefits which most of
you do not. Anyway, if the product would have been so bad, company would have not
been in profit for last 17 years without any debt. Stop blaming and start planning and
understanding things in deep way. Cheers!
REPLY LINK
Bhargav Desai April 10, 2014, 6:59 PM
Today i am thinking for member of club mahindra holiday.but after your all advice
and all your view .now stop thinking for it.thx buddy
REPLY LINK
Raj April 11, 2014, 9:59 PM
Club Mahindra is SCAM..Beware
REPLY LINK
Raj April 11, 2014, 10:01 PM

How can I sell my club Mahindra Membership? Please anybody help me
REPLY LINK
Harpreet April 12, 2014, 7:58 PM
I am a member or if I use the correct term a customer of Club Mahindra. As everyone

knows that there are terms and conditions for everything. So is the case for a booking
with them. 7 days before I was to travel to a resort for which I had made a booking, I
had a death in the family. We all were mentally and emotionally disturbed. But since
the days left to travel were few, I cancelled the days booked to help others make a
booking for the room which I had booked for myself. I had the option of retaining
that booking in my name. But I was honest and had a realisation that getting a
booking in the CM resorts is extremely difficult as they have a huge base of members
and very few resorts to acommodate. Over and above this, there are terms and
conditions. Therefore it would be best to cancel the booking so that others are not
deprived of a possibility to travel to this resort for which I had made a booking.
I subsequently called up the customer relations and discussed the issue with them.
Informed them of the tragedy in the family. And requested that in this case at least
they should not forfeit my days as I did what was the right thing to do, considered
others and that the CM site showed that no rooms were available on the days that I
had cancelled the booking meaning that the company suffered no loss. I had also
written an email to them describing the entire incident.
Guess what was the answer that I got. As per the terms and conditions no days can
be credited back to you and that tragedy in your family has no meaning.
So when you think of buying a membership with them do consider this aspect as well
besides others like cost of membership, limited scope of bookings which are possible
etc.
REPLY LINK
Sarika April 13, 2014, 8:26 PM
They are really big frauds. Making people fool about the gift vouchers which they
promise to give after the presentation.till date we have not recieved any movie
tickets. thank go we have not taken the membership of such fraud company who
cannot keep its words..beware friends before taking its membership.
REPLY LINK
pramedin April 25, 2014, 9:28 PM
I totally agree with Hemant .They never disclose about the ASF CHARGES while
taking the membership whenever we have planed for holiday we never got the
booking I am a member since 2008 not a single holiday is give to us ,but whenever I
call they reply smartly the call center people are smart in talking they are paid for
that right .
REPLY LINK
Rajesh Kumar April 29, 2014, 10:16 PM
My experience with Club Mahindra has been very good. Its true they charge the
maintenance fees which they had not mentioned during buying. But the experience
at the resort is such that I think its worth paying the maintenance fees. We had
bought it at around a lakh rupees for 1 bhk red season. But its way too expensive
now. Its like the real estate business. Those who entered earlier have benefited the
most. I live in Chennai and I like to drive a lot. They have 7 resorts in Kerala and also
good number of resorts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It has been a very good
combination for me. A long drive plus a very good resort to stay plus sight seeing at
our own time. I remember taking my friend along with me and how he was amazed
by the experience. He had a 2 year old daughter and there were games for her also.
Where else can you have indoor games, magic shows, dance for children and also
games of the adults in the lap of a jungle or near a beach . I had never seen Khatakali
but thru Club Mahindra I got a chance to snap a pic with the artist. I dont know how
many have been to the floating resort of Asthamudi and the resort of munnar in the
middle of a tea estate. Those who can afford it now, its really a experience they
should not miss.
REPLY LINK
rakesh bajaj May 5, 2014, 12:08 AM
i have gone through all contents discussed above with there good and bad
experiences. I have recently buy membership of White studio worth Rs.332000.00
along with ASF through directly from Executive deputed by Club Mahindra for 25
year . But now i m little bit dispointed .Tell me what can i do. I m totally Confused . I
have seen all properties of Mahindra on net and heard/seen the experiences as
incorporated above by members and Non members of Club mahindra. Shall i go with
or rethink about my decision. Till date i have paid Rs.33500 as initial joining Amount
and 4 days with me to refuse the membership well with in looking period of 10 days
as told by the Executive.
REPLY LINK
Parimala May 11, 2014, 1:02 PM
I bought a mahindra membership way back in 2000and we have never taken a

holiday due to various reasons.i have been paying the ASF dutifully for 12years.i have
stopped paying it for the last two years because I think its a big waste of money.i
want to sell it off and have been cheated by two firms in goa who promised to rent or
sell it for me. Is there a way in which I could get back even part amount . Pl reply.
REPLY LINK
o sachin May 13, 2014, 1:18 PM

Hi Parimala
I am already a member of Club Mahindra and I may be interested in buying your

membership if it is either White or Red season, please contact me with your
membership details on 09325409529 or pathfinderpune@hotmail.com
Sachin
REPLY LINK
manish kumar malik May 11, 2014, 5:20 PM
I have bad experience with club mahindra. My request to all please do not join this
club .their sell persons tells lie during selling the product.I have purchased white
studio membership during joining sell person told me that I can avail my holiday any
time .but when I received call from their head office I come to know about their
season system.Also sell person lied .they are cheaters .Please do not purchase
membership.
REPLY LINK
manish kumar malik May 11, 2014, 5:32 PM
i want my money back. please suggest me right way.
REPLY LINK
Kahkashan Ali May 15, 2014, 4:53 PM
I have club mahindra white studio membership, I am feeling cheated because at the
time of selling membership sales people didnt told anything about the color system
(season). I have to plan the vacation according to children school holidays but white
color are not available in peak seasons as per choice. I can book one color higher only
before 15 days but there is no room available in resort of my choice. I think this is a
scam and government should take note of this, Club Mahindra is simply cheating our
hard earned money by giving false information and promises. I want to get my
money back, but no idea how to proceed.
REPLY LINK
richa jain May 18, 2014, 2:08 PM
my father has taken the same membership in year 2012we hardly utilise it cuz
rooms are never available according to our wish..i wish there is any way i can b rid
of it.
REPLY LINK
o Dharam May 22, 2014, 6:30 PM

Anyone with Red membership willing to sale the timeshare. Pls. contact me.
REPLY LINK
RAJINDER BEDI August 28, 2014, 5:14 PM

Have a red membership for 25 years. Have used only twice with 21 days outstanding
now. All fees paid up to date.
Contact on email or mobile no. 9833812490 in Mumbai.
Thanks and best regards.
REPLY LINK
KULDIP MEHTA May 20, 2014, 4:28 PM

MAINE JINDGEE KEE SABSE BADE GALTI CLUB MAHINDRA KEE
MEMBERSHIP LE KAR KEE HE APPX 2LAC RUPE DENE KE BAAD BHEE KOI
BOOKING NAHEE HAI, YE LOG PUBLIC KO JHOOTH BOL KAR BAKFUKF
BANATE HE OR AB PAISE VAPIS BHEE NAHI KAR RAHE, BOLTE HE PAISE
VAPIS KARNA COMPANY KE POLICY NAHEE HE
REPLY LINK
ARCHANA June 4, 2014, 9:41 AM
I wish I had the time to find this out before opting for the membership of Club
Mahindra. I am fighting it out with them. Very correctly said..it is indeed a deaf
organisation. It takes more than a month for them to respond to emails. At the time
of selling the product not once do they mention of the cancellation policy. Awaiting
for the response from them.will update once I hear from them.
REPLY LINK
jatinkapadia June 12, 2014, 12:42 PM
Sir i wanted to understand booking system first can cm official may through light on
it ? their are hundreds of seller on some web site which i dont know why cm people
does not buy back them ? and why they are increasing a m c every year ?
REPLY LINK
keshav June 22, 2014, 9:47 PM
Thank u so much hemanth, My jiju was already in this but i never heard all this from
him. May b as u said it changes from person to personU saved me in not buying
these type of memships. Thanks 1ce again.
REPLY LINK
kailash July 5, 2014, 6:31 PM
thanks all i have been saved , buying this . in week time i was planning to but this.
thanks all. for saving me .
REPLY LINK
Ratnish July 9, 2014, 4:08 PM
Hi,
I received a call today from Club Mahindra representative requesting to visit their
place and said that I am selected to redeem a 2 night 3 days gift voucher for 25
locations. I asked him if there is any catch, he said no.
My question is that if someone has availed this facility. I mean do they really provide
this 2 night 3 days free accommodation absolutely free ? If yes then how is the quality
of the resort.
I will be happy if I receive a reply which clears all my doubts ?
REPLY LINK
o Shib July 10, 2014, 10:46 AM

While at the presentation, they will brainwash and force you to take up their
membership. They will try all the games to trick you into that, they will swipe your
credit card or even take a cheque from you as the initial payment saying u can cancel
later. If you read above, most shave been trapped by such tactics and getting a refund
is next to impossible.
Coming to the resorts, they will ask you to go to those resorts which are less occupied
and better in terms of quality. Be aware, that the offer is only for stay, food, traveling,
activities at the resorts (games, tours) will be all extra. Overall, their resorts are good.
My suggestion is, go for the presentation, do not get trapped into the membership,
walk away with the 2 night 3 days gift voucher. Enjoy it and then decide the next
course of action ! Good Luck !
REPLY LINK
Prakruti July 13, 2014, 1:21 PM
Club Mahindra Club Mahindra Holidays you suck. not because your resorts are
bad, not because your services are bad. but because all over the country your
marketing team is not aware of 1 small modern fact. a single mother who can bring
up her child, a daughter who can take care of her parents, a professional who can
hold her fort in any meeting and make million dollar biz deals.. can surely buy a
holiday for herself and her child.. why do your marketing people not entertain her
when she is one of the lucky draw winner.i won a free holiday at Goa once at my
daughters school but you did not allow me to go. today i won 4 couple movie
voucher but you marketing team does not want to give it to me as i am not
married !!!!!! Anand Mahindra you suck too if you and your team cannot respect
women
REPLY LINK
Ramesh Nair July 14, 2014, 11:49 AM
Dear Hemant,
You said it very correctly. I think you should publish this thru some media so that, lot
of people can be saved from this trap. Even I have paid Rs . 41000/= upfront and is
in trouble now. However, I have stopped all my future EMIs. They have clearly
informed me that there is no refund for the paid amount as I have agreed to their
terms and conditions.
Dear Hemant, Is there any way we all together join hands and take up the matter
further (may be legal) and see if anything can be derived out of it ?
Thanks & Regards,

Ramesh Nair
REPLY LINK
o R Kannan August 3, 2014, 7:44 PM

Dear All
There are a few Members satisfied with the services of CM. Basically their service is
good. But as some one has said, that we cannot get a Holiday booking when we want
it. We will have to take it when it is available.
Even if you pay their annual increasing subscription in time, one cannot accumulate
the holidays, beyond 21 days, even though CM may be encashing it by selling it to
non-members. I think automatic lapse of holidays, cancellation of holidays in the last
minute due family tragedy, etc. should be looked in to by CM. I think it is time that
CM satisfies the existing Members, before increasing Member base. CM has
benefitted HUGELY from members money, by purchasing good resort property,
which HAS APPRECIATED 100 TIMES. As a reward, let them call all members and
sort out their problems, before the matter goes to court. As a gratitude to its
members, who have helped them to substantially increase their asset base (if
revalued at current market rates), CM should reach out to its members; like Reliance
and other big companies, issued bonus shares. Let CM havde an heart and be happy
to make its members happy.
REPLY LINK
ila sharma July 16, 2014, 5:25 PM
i anyone wants to sell membership of Club Mahindra, contact me on 7023949448
REPLY LINK
o Nisha July 18, 2014, 12:53 AM

Can somebody tell a way out to get out of this false scheme. Is there any way to take
them to court so that they stop cheating people
REPLY LINK
o ashish shah July 18, 2014, 1:25 AM

ila sharma
i want to sell my white studio membership of club mahindra if u intrested then mail
on my mail id. i will give you full details about my membership. my email id
is varikashah@rediffmail.com
thanks
REPLY LINK
tarundeep singh khaira July 18, 2014, 11:52 AM
hello revered friends,

Am a practicing advocate in the Punjab & Haryana High Court, Chandigarh. I also
look into Consumer Act Disputes and the present miseries as unfolded by you all
indicate that it is a dispute covered under the aegis of Consumer Protection Act,
1986. The same can be agitated before Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum of any
particular district. Please take legal recourse and redress your grievances. I can help
friends who are in and around Chandigarh.
Regards
REPLY LINK
Pravin July 23, 2014, 1:16 AM
Hi friends,
My name is Pravin . I purchase a country club membership.

Before purchasing a membership I enjoing 7 day and 6 night in country club property
. when I satisfiy then purchase membership.
I think you dont belive. I paid for 650/- per day per person that include (Breakfast +
Lunch + Dinner) and food qulity is too good. I cleary talk with excutive I want to
check your services your rate then purchase memberships.
He given a booking what I say and I purchase membership of Rs.1,90,000 Red
seccion and ASF just Rs. 6500/- that is awosem
REPLY LINK
o Pravin July 23, 2014, 1:23 AM

Guys
Before purchase anything read all documents. Use first and then purchase .
Now I suggest other purchase Country Club Membership.
REPLY LINK
Mahesh Chandgothia July 23, 2014, 3:20 PM
They do not provide the CPI and WPI figures, on the basis of which they are raising
ASF invoices. A big fraud. I am filing a legal case in consumer court. My BAD
experience in the following mail exchanged with Chandigarh office is self
explanatory:-
Dear Mr. Amarpreet,
Kindly note that we are not interested in your stereo-type replies. I am copy/pasting
your mail and my observations/objections are mentioned in (brackets) against each
point.
As agreed and discussed about the Asf increase percentage basis WPI/CPI
calculation for the year 2010-2011 which almost came out to 8-9%. (We never agreed
the % calculated by you. It can be agreed to only when you give us specific WPI and
CPI figures, used by you to calculate the percentage, for at least 2 years with a GAP of
minimum 5 Years in billing.)
we also understood your requirement to know the Index for the year 2003 onwards
but the same is archived on the RBI website,we also tried figure that out. (When you
raised the ASF Invoices, you must have noted down the Indexes to calculate the
percentage increase. It has to be in your own records rather than giving us the excuse
that the data is archived on RBI web-site.)
.
We would once again like to reiterate here that the ASF component was explained to
you time and again. It is clearly mentioned in the application form signed by you as
well as the in the membership rule copy whereof was provided to you at the time of
sign. (We clearly understand the method of calculation, but you have never provided
us the basis figures of CPI and WPI, on the basis of which, your ASF Invoices are
raised. This matter is pending since last 1.5 years. Please provide me a photocopy of
the membership form, duly signed by us, and membership rules, as prevailing at the
time of our signing-up. We were never given a copy, despite demanding many times.)
As per aforementioned documents you are obliged and agreed to pay ASF decided by
MHRIL from time to time and the basis of revision thereof is clearly mentioned in
the membership rule. It is very much clear from the membership rule that
revision/increase in the ASF is not discretionary or arbitrary. (ASF never existed
when we signed up.)
Moreover, the said fact was also confirmed during welcome call and welcome letter
sent to you. Therefore, it was very much in your knowledge that the ASF shall be
revised from time to time. (No ASF mentioned anywhere in any initial letters. Please
provide us a copy of any such welcome-letter actually issued to us.)
We have confirmed the booking of Dubai check in 16-05-14 and check out 21-05-14
with 1 bedroom apartment for the Guest as special case. (Mr. Khemka is our
employee and not guest, since the membership is our firms name. At the time of
signing-up, your Sales-officer very clearly mentioned that if we sign-up as a
corporate, any of our employees is eligible as a member and we fail to understand
how you can deny us this right. Kindly withdraw the words Guest and as special
case from your e-mail. We would also like to clarify that the ASF of Rs. 15,525/- was
paid by us under protest, only to ensure that our employee enjoys his pre-planned
holiday and the VISA charges/Air-fare is not a loss, and to also show our intent that
we are ready to pay the ASF provided CPI and WPI data is transparently shares with
us, as being requested again and again since last 1.5 years.)
Further, the matter regarding NOT PERMITTING US FOR PURPLE SEASON

PRIOR TO 15 DAYS OF START OF HOLIDAY is totally illegal. There was no rule,
when we became member, preventing us from advance booking more than 15 days in
advance for higher season, purple in our case. Any subsequent rule, which curtails
rights of existing members, can apply only to subsequent new members, and not to
existing members like us. For example, when you changed membership tenure to 25
years, ours remained for 33 years. This issue is pending since last 1.5 years as
mentioned in our previous mail.
REPLY LINK
Pramod Hendre July 29, 2014, 4:28 PM
Hi
I am bit confused with the thoughts whether i should take up the membership or not
pl advise and if yes then Purple/Red/White
REPLY LINK
o Nishant July 30, 2014, 11:38 AM

Dear All,
I would suggest that instead of goin for a BIG BRAND like CLUB MAHINDRA, better
go for other companies who strived hard for better customer service. I have a
membership with Citrus Check Inns Ltd. A very big group which can be trusted once
you research about them. 30 + hotels give me a choice to go anywhere in India and
3000 world wide choices through their tie ups. They dont have seasonal barriers like
Club Mahindra or other things and they dont even charge ASF (Annual Maintainance
Charge), they also have flexible plans like 5 yrs membership, 10 yrs, 15 yrs, 20 yrs &
25 yrs membership Plan which allowed me to atleast taste it by taking 5 yrs plan and
now I have upgraded my self to 25 yrs membership plan, moreover booking is always
given at our desired location.
I strongly advised to atleast check them out. And if you want to take there
membership do contact me coz as a member refferal benefit I ll get some bonus
vouchers aswell.
REPLY LINK
R Kannan August 3, 2014, 8:23 PM

Dear Mr Nishant
Thanks for the info on Citrus. I have gone through their website. I will be glad to have
more info on the same, through your referral.
Thanks
R Kannan
Chennai
(M) 9094001166
REPLY LINK
o R Kannan August 3, 2014, 8:29 PM

Please dont go for new membership. Plenty of existing members are willing to sell
their Membership. You can buy them at reasonable prices. Just send a Mail in this
column with your contact details. You will get flooded with offers.
REPLY LINK
Pravin July 30, 2014, 2:26 PM
Dear friends
Without ASF very difficult to run the business.

U can see the example of starling holiday resort..
Thomas & cook tack over the starling.
If u find out low cost and same benefit.
So purchase a country club. This company working from
Last 25 year. Otherwise mahendra also good for service but rate is high..
REPLY LINK
Nishant July 30, 2014, 2:38 PM
Sterling used to give 33% returns on investment and it doeant worked up,thus they
closed but now they arr back with plans like Mahindra (Ditto).
Country club promised you of an plot in karnataka jungle which us useless. Its only
useful to book their club free of cost for parties,function,etc. I went to their Bandipur
Karnataka property this year at a cost 3500/- a night, quality is not upto mark
compare to citrus or Mahindra then why shld i pay 2.5 lacs for such membership.
At citrus I took this membership for 25 yrs at 4.60 lacs and its include ASF for 25 Yrs.
Its hardly 2500 a night with breakfast.
I am not pursuading anybody but just advicing to invest the hard earned money at
right place if some1 is looking to take a holiday product.
REPLY LINK
R Kannan August 3, 2014, 7:48 PM
YOU CAN CHEAT SOME PEOPLE ALL THE TIME;

YOU CAN CHEAT ALL PEOPLE SOME TIME;
BUT, YOU CANNOT CHEAT ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME.
REPLY LINK
Shradha August 14, 2014, 1:29 PM
Its very correct Club Mahindra Holidays are a big cheat and fraud which people
should avoid to fall in their trap.
One should sue them.
REPLY LINK
Raveesh Badoni August 27, 2014, 4:09 PM
They are really big cheater , while they offer you membership , do fake promises and
commitment .
But when you try to avail those benefit, they just dont respond or say that you are
not eligible for that or in case you like to followup over mail or call center or
relationship team, they simply ignore your concern and never revert you back over
phone or email.
These people are big looser, I will advice not to take their membership. Or in case you
really wanted to waste your money give it to some beggar instead of giving it to Club
Mahindra.
Regards,
Raveesh Badoni
REPLY LINK
naveen September 2, 2014, 1:02 PM
Hi, Hemant
it looks u r very much experienced in this field, i want a suggestion, i am also cheated
by club mahindra, i m a white studio member, i have paid Rs. 48,000/- & used 4
nights of holidays, after that i have not paid any money to them neither emi nor asf
because i realized it was going to cost me very much, can i get some money back from
them or resell my membership. one more thing Royal Resorts are contacting me for
10 years of points based holidays at Rs. 1,25000/- although their own resorts in india
are few but using their points with RCI looks attractive, please suggest me should i
join them or not. (mobile-9419115023). i want to holiday mostly in india.
REPLY LINK
ila sharma September 2, 2014, 3:21 PM
anyone wants to buy or sell there timeshare membership, contact me. 9636929991.
ilasharma307@gmail.com
REPLY LINK
Preetinder September 29, 2014, 7:25 PM
I was planning to buy the membership by next month. I was really surprised by some
of the details mentioned in the blog and the ways which club Mahindra uses to cheat.
The comments played equally important role while deciding a big NO for Club
Mahindra.
Besides that this Blog was very well written, i must encourage Mr. HEMANT
BENIWAL to look forward a carrier in the same line.
REPLY LINK
Purvish Patel October 1, 2014, 2:27 PM
want to interested to buy white or red membership of club mahindra kindly mail
your best offer pvanand15@gmail.com
REPLY LINK
o Kanav July 25, 2015, 5:26 PM

Hi All,
If interested, willing to sell (Never used/ utilized) white studio membership.
+918054295700
REPLY LINK
sameer October 14, 2014, 7:54 PM
hi,
i paid the 10% initial down payment to CM. next day i sent out a cancellation of
membership request to their Chennai office via mail and email. so i lost out on some
of my hard earned moolah. since my wife did not carry her id proof when we got
snared, we did not submit it yet. the sales rep keeps calling me saying that unless we
submit it, the cancellation wont happen. can anyone suggest what should be done?
regards,
Sameer.
REPLY LINK
AJAY MOHAN GUPTA October 18, 2014, 5:53 PM
I am also a Member of Club Mahindra and facing a total harassment in the hands of
this Company.We are not getting the booking of holidays when we need.The person
who took the membership promised us many things and helped us in our bookings
till our EMI was paid after that he has been avoiding the calls.We are now filling an
Consumer Court case..We have lapsed 12.1 days holidays and piled up with 19.1 days
more and we may get 7 days more in Jan 2015.Now they say that booking has to be
done 4 Months in advance where as there are plenty of agents moving around to
book you in private in short notice.The AISF charges are increased unreasonably.We
will like to join the forum who are fighting against this Company
REPLY LINK
Kapil Arora October 28, 2014, 12:52 PM
I am a member since last 7 years. finding it difficult to go to resorts of my choice

since few years. ..I feel that I will never be able to visit the resorts of my
choice.policy of mahindra is not for all but for few. .either they change their
policy or vanish slowly and steadily from the market
REPLY LINK
Raveesh Badoni October 30, 2014, 2:05 PM
Very well written be Mr Hemant , these people are big time fraud and dont fulfill
their promises and never helps customer once they get the money for membership.
I also faced too many issues after becoming their member but after too many
arguments and discussions I was able to get my hard earned money back.
So, believe me dont trust these people, they can do any thing to sell their
membership.
In case you have too much free time then you can take their membership as you
might be able to get the booking for any available dates , Plus you also need to be
flexible for holiday locations as well to get the booking. So Take their membership
and enjoy your trip whenever they will schedule your trip because you wont be
able to enjoy your holiday on your planned timing.
REPLY LINK
Vikas November 3, 2014, 11:17 AM

Suggestion/Opinion/Strong Recommendation: Say No to Club Mahindra
membership !! Do not waste your hard earned money.
Trip to Varca Beach Goa (One of the best Reosrt As claimed by Club Mahindra)
Read my review carefully for details
1. Below average accomodation: Rooms are average. Locks do not open, even after
complaint. I literally was not able to enter the room one night for 2 to 3 hours, finally
the lock had to be taken out. This shows lapse in regular maintainence & no one is
owner of this activity. They are more interested in new members or converting
current blue/white to red, rather than inproving the services.
Staff does not know what they are doing. It was like a choas situation.
2. Poor Facilities: TV remote often do not work. Phone in the Room also do not work,
after a complaint it worked for few hours, but when I called up to restaurant no one
lifts the phone. They can even remove these phones from the room, they are useless
again this is lapse in maintainance.
3. Restaurant is over crowded (space not enough to capacity of people staying in
resort), We had to wait @45 to 1 hr to get inside.
4. Poor Hospitality: Super delays in getting food after order is made: Even tea or
bread/toast butter order takes more than 30 min. I wonder why ?. I had a opinion
that they do not want any customers to come to restaurant. Next day we went outside
the resort to eat & saw most of the customers eating outside.
Overall: Total frustration, my holiday was screwed. I was irritated more than being
relaxed.
Escalation of isses: Finally I escalated the above issues to resort head Mr Kumar &
West region head Mr Singh.
A note to make: While checking out I met Mr Kumar. He seemed to be sensible
person & help me a carry my missed luggage.
Action against my escalation: Looks poor. No updates on any action plan till now. I
pray that no one else face these issues!!!.But I guess no one cares >>>
Think before taking membership: No value for money. Recently I am facing

problems for getting bookings for my next holiday. I have Red season membership &
almost all locations are booked for next 3 months. I guess they have more members
than total capacity of accommodation, they are only concerned about the money.
Enjoy your holidays on your terms & not on the mercy of someone else
REPLY LINK
o Vikram March 16, 2016, 7:33 PM

I agree with you
REPLY LINK
Jom Jose November 20, 2014, 8:31 PM
Totally agree with this article IT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE we have made too.
REPLY LINK
Vinay December 22, 2014, 12:30 PM
Prefer COUNTRY CLUB instead. Im a mem since 4 years, stayed at Goa, Hyd,
Bandipur properties.. fantastic club in Pune where i stay at much lower cost
and many events all thru the year.
REPLY LINK
Shriharsh December 31, 2014, 6:05 PM

Am disappointed to say that Club Mahindra executives doesnt know the business
ethics and practises. Particularly in business word of mouth has got utmost
importance.
In last week, I started getting many calls from club Mahindra sales executives and I
was told that there is a scheme where a new / potential customer needs to attend a 45
minutes session post which they will give me a Holiday Voucher to be redeemed at
any of the club Mahindra holiday resort in India as well as they would give me 4
movie tickets if I own any Mahindra vehicle.
I attended the meet by adjusting with my spouses time and taking my 1.5 years old
son by putting ourselves at inconvenience to honor the word given to one of the
executive (for which the 3 different executives chased like anything and tried to
snatch a business from each other). I was told initially to just see a presentation and
hear the new offer and am totally free to take decision either way. But at the end of
the meeting I was terribly pushed to take a decision by even challenging like why am
I not taking the membership? Is it money problem & if not so, why am not taking it?
And other questions to dishonor my respect.
When I firmly said that I will make up my mind only post availing the offer and after
they got convinced about me not going for it, there was a sudden change in the
treatment to me. They simply handed over me 2 coupons for movie ticket (which are
too for a couple to be seen two times consecutively and you cant avail the same at
once with 100s of conditions mentioned over leaf so less chances to enjoy a movie
with a family of four)
For Holiday vouchers, they told it will come on my registered mail ID, which didnt
come for 4 days. (27th Dec to 31st Dec 14). I chased them, called them for 7-8 times,
text ed 3 times with mail IDs but no response, no answer to my phone and finally I
sent them a message that I have contacts in News Channels (which I indeed have) &
suddenly in 5 minutes got a call from a lady from their office extending with number
of apologies and giving excuses that they had some software issues. Earlier they were
responding that its already sent and advising me to check my SPAM folder.
Now they have sent me the said vouchers within 10 minutes the voucher (which I
dont know with how many terms and conditions its saddled with), so thats a great
coincidence that you give them your next action and suddenly the software starts
functioning well and a stretched matter of 4 -5 days get resolved within a mere 10
minutes.
I wish that this message should be seen by some senior officer in Club Mahindra, to
understand, these executives are really putting companies goodwill at stake by not
respecting others time and deliver whats been promised before. Also they should
learn that the real sales begin after sales and not before it.
Only one thing you should be smart enough to understand that if they behave this
way to potential customers, what happens to existing customers who have already
paid and not much is left in their hands but to just accept whats been offered by Club
Mahindra.
From me this is Just Enough and certainly am neither going to be their future
customer nor am gonna avail this offer with many hidden ifs and buts.
REPLY LINK
manish rupani January 2, 2015, 5:59 PM
Awesome. Very informative.
REPLY LINK
Vikas Jadon January 6, 2015, 3:34 PM

Thank God I read this blog. Took some time to read it completely but worth it.
Can somebody tell me which is the best option other than CM.
REPLY LINK
Jaygee January 8, 2015, 8:14 PM
Yet another proof that club mahindra holidays is on sale for non members, i
frequently get ads on my FB page and Gmail pg advertising club mahindra holidays
from yatra and other travel sites.
please observe in the folllowing link for dropbox at the right side an ad by yatra
REPLY LINK
Chander Santani February 1, 2015, 2:29 PM
Dear Sir
You have said that yoy were not allowed to cancel the member ship in allotted 10
days time for cancellation. What does not allowed means. At what address one
should send the communication for cancellation.
Regards
Need a urgent reply as my time running out. thanks
REPLY LINK
o Hemant Beniwal February 2, 2015, 12:11 PM

Dear Chander,
Write a cancellation letter (also mention if you have a cancellation form provide me
that) submit it to local branch & take receiving with stamp.
REPLY LINK
Amit Gupta February 6, 2015, 5:25 PM
I may be keen for Purple Studio.

Anyone interested to sell , please call me on 9930044654
REPLY LINK
prabha March 25, 2015, 10:52 AM
Thanks dear friends,

I was very desperate to by one clubM membership.
And I was up to buy one when I heard about this article .
REPLY LINK
Karan May 3, 2015, 5:56 PM
I just happen to land on this page while searching for some info about the club
mahindra resort. I am sorry to disappoint you guys by adding that yes i am a valid
membership holder (though having read ur comments i wont be surprised if some
will soon say I am CM employee lol) and yes there are problems with regard to
availability at resorts but I am glad they are adding new resorts (what if they dont
add I cannot do much about it). Yes it is a premium experience staying at a resort as I
have different standards when I holiday I just want pure solace..I can stay 3N sitting
in my balcony watching River Kosi..for me that is divine..or have a walk around the
resort in pure silence..Many may disagree but being fed up with so much noise nd
pressure in delhi..i like peace..This article starts with some comparisons on finances I
do not deny its wrong I am finance person too and have done that too jus to prove my
point but over a period I have realised that holidays/vacation are no balance sheets..
I am not here to put questions on anyone but jus wanted a hand on experience to put
across..No compelling to take a membership or suggestion to ignore..Jus weigh ur
pocket and the benefits..Most of the part in this article is genuine but certain
exaggerations can be easily done with..This is my review on any forum and I hope I
have done justice to my soul..
REPLY LINK
o Hemant Beniwal May 4, 2015, 10:37 AM

Thanks Karan for sharing your views
REPLY LINK
o sibu June 20, 2015, 7:12 PM

Imp concern is we dont get holidays how can you relax , we bought for peace of mind
but its getting peace peace . your quite lucky you got it . Its a cheating company no
one will take . if they want to have a better reputation they should introduce a policy
with buyback of membership with same price . It will be a relax as bad mouth is at
high for this company they will be in terrible loss in few years to come
REPLY LINK
divya June 11, 2015, 5:30 PM
Hi Hemant,
thanks for ur information..even i went crazzy to get that membership.. now i should
think of it..
REPLY LINK
Consumer Complain in Zest June 18, 2015, 2:16 PM
Hi: Another betrayed consumer by Zest a group of club mahindra. Promises are sky
steep, but when in delivery, sad. They promised to increase the locations which was 5
earlier, but reduced them to 4. If you dont use your holidays for 3 yrs it gets lapsed.
Agreement and paperwork arent clear and communications are very bad. They dont
call to inform, to collect the ASF! No automated SMS, no confirmation of booking
etc. You have to run pillar to post to get your things organised. A very sad encounter
with Mahindra, i hated to buy any future product from this group. I only wish Anand
had some courtesy which he extends to portray his flamboyance in art of business, is
been also visioned to see his rout he give to consumers.
REPLY LINK
Sibu June 20, 2015, 7:29 PM

There are 51 consumer suits against Club Mahindra 2007
REPLY LINK
Ashok July 2, 2015, 12:08 AM
Club Mahindra just cheat customers. RCI seven days holiday is only to misguide
customers. These are good for nothing. When I contacted RCI to avail my holidays,
they offered totally off season resort.
REPLY LINK
Dr Amit July 2, 2015, 3:20 PM
Country Club Membership of 30 years , for Rs 1.8 lac, 30 years Holidays, With many
clubs (Around Delhi ) which can be acessed daily. hows this ???. Bonus 2 Flight
Vouchers of 5500 each, 7 days Trip to bangkok (Stay) free as complimentary
ADDED !!!!!
REPLY LINK
Sanjay July 21, 2015, 8:52 PM
Hello sir
I have taken this membership but gave post dated chqs, havent paid yet.
They are offering me 5 nights in club mahindra and 7 nights in rci anywhere in India
or abroad.
And 5000 gift vouchers also in total of 47500(27700 down payment and balance in 3
emis) I have confirmed those things on toll free by giving my customer id of club
mahindra.
After that its my decision to continue the membership or not.
I am looking a vacation in dubai in march 2016 with rci and before that kerala in
October 2015
I have taken white studio membership.
Please advise on email also if possible as soon as possible.

Thank you
Sanjay
REPLY LINK
VEENA GOMES August 21, 2015, 9:31 PM
Hello Mr Hemant
First of all thank you for this platform wherein you can share the views of aggrieved
members, I too was coaxed and fooled into buying this membership from this fraud
company, one of their salesman by name of Tausheed visited my place on 2013 and
gave all false promises and somehow convinced me to buy their membership he
made some workings and quoted about 168000/- for blue studio , when he saw this
amount was not affordable to me then he coaxed me into saying that i could go for
equated installment scheme monthly for 48 instalments of some 4480/- ecs without
any interest which could work out to 168000/- nothing more than that , i did not
bother to calculate as i was busy fending my kids it was actually working to some
220000/- he further lured me that i will be getting LCD etc, in May 2013 i wanted to
gift my cousin a holiday on her wedding i in fact promised her the gift for her
honeymoon , i called up the booking number for which i got a recorded message that
they will get back , i called up again after 2 hours, next day , after 2 days but to no
avail , finally i had to face the embarrassment in the family, i shot a mail to the
company but they did not bother to reply in fact till today i have not got any reply or
apology , getting frustrated for the lack of service i decided to cancel my membership
and shot a mail for the cancellation and refund of my money as i have not availed any
single holiday under the membership , i have paid 85000/- to them,till date they
have not replied on the contrary the shameless creatures have send me a mail that
my amount will be forfeited , no wonder they are buying properties out of the amount
which they are swindling from the public , they are cheating people and some huge
scam is active for 25 years,
I am contemplating police action against the salesperson and other directors of the
company u/s 420 and also will be approaching the consumer forum
Mr Molty and Mr Tarundeep singh khaira can you guide me with this , in fact we can
form a group of aggrieved members and approach the EOW etc, i am based at
mumbai , Santacruz
Veena Gomes
REPLY LINK
manish shroff August 27, 2015, 10:00 PM
I would feel your analysis is correct because you do not get the booking when you
want as well as its the worst financial decision to buy the membership of club
mahindra i am a purple studio member but due to some reason or the other reason i
was unable to get the booking since the time i became member in 2003 of red
studio .One astonishing news came to my knowledge
1.You can not gift your holidays in the season to your relative ,though at the time of
selling i was told that if you do not utilise yourself you can gift to relative
2.I was told that if you do not travel your holiday would be accumulated but recently
came to know that you can accumulate 21 days only please note that you have to pay
membership charge ,annual fees make your days lapse they do not have inventory
available with the company because in call centre one executive said you pay 4 year
annual charge you would be able to travel for one week on 8/8/2015 when i was keen
to confirm the holidays i spoke again a different executive named swapnil on 24/8 at
16.30 at instance he told for 8 years but after some discussion & hassle he spoke to
his senior & after consultation with his senior he committed that you pay for 6 years
& enjoy one week holiday.since two people from the same company are committing
for the same issue two different commitment i was shocked in agony ,surprise &
anger
I again contacted the call centre on 25/8/15 at 4 pm girl name PHULASA was on line
committed you can take holidays after paying for 9 years annual charge ,after lot of
discussion she gave the line to senthil he came out differently in the same issues that
you can take holidays after paying 10 years of annual charges to take one week of
holiday then also not giving any surety that they will re-credit the lapse holidays .
Please my humble request to contact me before paying a single rupee to this
fraudulent company
REPLY LINK
o Karan August 28, 2015, 2:59 PM

I would certainly advise manish ji to not pay around 1.5-2 Lacs as ASF for 6-10 years.
Its a real big amount. In this much money I hope you can go some of the best
locations alongwith inventory in hand and moreover you dont have to stick with CM
locations.
REPLY LINK
sachin s September 4, 2015, 1:43 PM

Dear Mr Manish
I may be interested in buying your Purple studio membership ( if you want to get rid
of the same)
Please share your contact details on pathfinderpune@hotmail.com so that we can try
to workout some deal
Thanks
Sachin
REPLY LINK
Naimish September 20, 2015, 9:52 PM
I am looking to sell my White Studio membership which I bought in December 2013,

still have 13 days balance, and I will get 7 more coming December, want to sell my
membership for 2,20,000/- , I have paid 3,30,000/- and one time annual fees, 2nd
year annual fees Rs. 12569/- is pending. Please contact 7204313753
REPLY LINK
Sunil Rathi September 23, 2015, 10:36 PM
your comprehensive article on various aspects of club Mahindra was truely an

eyeopener.The charts and graphs reveal indepth analysis.after reading it i now totally
disillussioned with their tall claims. I am more convinced as my travel habits are like
yours.
Will read more of your other articles as well
REPLY LINK
Nikhil October 7, 2015, 1:53 PM
Thank you all for saving me from this gamble. I just called the representative and
said I am not interested. I feel sorry for the people who got trapped in this gamble.
REPLY LINK
Parthasarathy November 1, 2015, 7:41 AM
I am interested in buying a purple membership. I want personal transfer at

bangalore or chennai
REPLY LINK
chandrashekar November 16, 2015, 12:45 PM
What you mentioned is absolutely correct. there are more issues which an
unsuspecting customer will not come to know unless they experience on their own. i
too am a member from 2010. they make lot of promises but dont deliver.
1. bookings are to be made 3 months in advance else you dont get booking. if you are
not getting booking then you are waitlisted by blocking your holidays and they wont
even tell you your waitlist number ( whether you are number 1 in list or no 10). so
you are stuck and dont know whether to cancel the booking and go to some other
hotel / resort or change your destination. and your holidays are also blocked, so
actually the waitlist has no meaning.
2. they will proudly say you can upgrade but this optiion is only 15 days prior to the
date of holiday. this in reality doesnt make sense. when you are unable to get
confirmed booking for your class, what is the chance of you getting an upgrade.
3. logistics like ticket booking, cab booking is all your headache and there is no
package in this, so how to handle this when your accomodation is waitlisted is an
unanswered issue.
4. what do you tell your family we are going on holiday to place aaa or not. you
really dont have an answer in case of waitlisted booking. my own experience, we had
3 different waitlists and none of them came through. thank god we had accumulated
holidays of 21 days so my wife plans 4-5 holidays and atleast 1 will materialise. all
this takes too much of time and effort which for having a peaceful holiday is too
much. who has the time.
5. booking a holiday is an entirely different experience. it is like booking a rajdhani
tkt, be ready on day 1 early morning and by the time you have keyed in the info and
submit the revert will be you are in waitlist. we have no other job to do except do club
mahindra booking. so what is promised as a hazzle free holiday the expereicne is
always the opposite.
6. recently in nov 15 we went for holiday in Kodaikanal (tamil nadu) where we were
at an associate property named Le Poshe all club mahindra properties we have
visted so far as usually away from market place and hence for food you are forced to
take from them. 1st there was no kitchennette, meaning no microwave or gas, so you
cant even boil milk for an infant. a glass of milk would cost you Rs 90 +. suddenly for
2days they said they dont have enough booking so every thing in the restaurant is on
ala carte basis, which means there is no choice of food for the customer, in buffet
system you are able to offer choice to every one and if you didnt like a preparation
you go for another item which you cant do in ala carte.
they provided room heater which is the size of a car fan, you have to sit within 6
inches of the heater else you wont feel the temperature difference. in the name of
evening activity for members for 2 days ( out of 4) they played movie through a
computer laptop.
what is the use of such an experience in holidays that too after paying high initial
amount, paying ASF on yearly basis viz I have a 1 BR red and i pay ASF of Rs
18000+.
with all this i think it is a joke to join club mahindra, atleast without this you are a
free bird and if you dont like the services you can quit the place and go to another
resort which has better facilities. here you are stuck for 25 years and you cant even
complain no one listens to you.
chandrashekar 16-11-15
REPLY LINK
Sarala November 17, 2015, 12:06 PM
We have a purple club Mahindra membership since 2012. We decided to go for

membership as we decided to take voluntary retirement from our work and travel
when we have time , energy and money . After buying the membership , I went
through the reviews on CM and got really scared that we wasted our hard earned
money on this.
But after visiting their resorts and their hospitality, I dont regret for taking the
membership. The resorts are bit faraway from the main city,but its worth travelling
to reach their resorts . They are so well maintained, the staff are very courteous, good
and varieties of food available. You have to pay little extra ,if you want to get
somethings nice and better. So, pl. go for CM membership,if you have some extra
money for spending for yourself and enjoy. Dont blame club Mahindra as cheaters. I
have never experienced any difficulty in booking a resort.
REPLY LINK
o Shib May 6, 2016, 12:42 PM

Since you are retired and you have the time/date flexibility, it works out good for
you. For rest of the 99% of working people, we did take specific colour membership
so that we can go and enjoy on those specific days/months. Since we have paid and
bought a specific colour membership, we demand that Club Mahindra provide us
reservation during those specific dates when demanded by a member. Club
Mahindra has failed in providing reservation and this is the grievance.
I completely agree with you that the resorts are great, the staff is good. Only if one is
able to get a reservation, one can enjoy the stay !!!
REPLY LINK
F**** Club mahindra November 27, 2015, 7:04 PM
Please readers DO NOTi repeat DO NOT take Club Mahindra

Membership.they are totally unprofessional people and promise you a lot of
things but they dont. As a former member I was really unsatisfied with the our stay
in one of the resorts. First thing is the Booking itself is not an easy task to do. They
do not mention anything during the booking of the MEMBERSHIP. My advise to you
all would be to instead paying so much of an amount, plan a trip on our own, it will
definitely be a lot cheaper trip.
REPLY LINK
Shebin Oleed February 3, 2016, 2:14 PM
Hello Guys, If anyone interested to sell their CM white or red membership, contact
me on shebin.oleed@gmail.com or whatsap me on 00974-55057177.
Regards,
Shebin
REPLY LINK
Joseph March 7, 2016, 8:12 PM

Something to remember when it comes to Time shares / Club Mahindra type offers.
They are NEVER, NEVER , NEVER gong to be in Buyers favor. Do the simple Math
Money paid upfront and the interest you earn is your outlay per month Plus
maintenace /ASF + other booking fee is YOUR COST per yesr. Divide that into 7 days
which is your funds to spend per day anywhere you choose withouut the anxiety /
worry to get a booking at your cjhoice place of stay. Worst of all they state it is 25 yr.
offer, after the 25 years you lost your principal? I am not DUMB to take on this offer.
REPLY LINK
Vikram March 16, 2016, 7:30 PM
My below letter which I wrote and submitted to Club Mahindra is self explanatory.
We ensured that the sales guy sign this letter and submit the same to their office.
Now if they dont pay then we have already prepared consumer court application
which we shall fie in next 20 to 25 days.
Date; March 11, 2016
To,
Club Mahindra
Vashi Branch, Navi Mumbai -400705
Sub: Withdrawal of membership; (Form number DEC/2015/25YRS/116235)
Dear Sir,
I have enrolled for Club Mahindra membership on March 7, 2016 by making a
payment of Rs. 29,560 as 10% down payment for white studio category of
membership through my Standard Chartered Bank credit card (no. 4541 9823 3497
9280) Mumbai.
I wish to cancel the aforesaid membership for the following reasons:
Your representative Shri Rohit Vetal represented before us that the regular
membership of white studio apartment is available for Rs. 6.5 lacs however, as my
name is recommended by other member of Club Mahindra so am being offered the
same membership for Rs 3.55 Lacs and it is also stated by him that this offer is
available only for that day and not otherwise. Under the genuine Impression that I
am getting a discount of Rs 3 Lacs which is substantial so I agreed to become a
member, However, when I made proper enquires on the net as well as with one of my
friend who is also a member, I have realized that your representative has
misrepresented before me. My friend has mentioned that he has taken white studio
apartment at Rs. 3.4 Lacs as a regular customer.
This clearly shows that I have been misrepresented and lured by Shri Rohlt Vetal to
become member by offer of discount of Rs 3 Lacs which did not exist. This is unfair
trade practices followed and hurt me and if in the beginning only the trust is lost then
its difficult to continue.
On account of above mentioned misrepresentation I wish to cancel my enrollment

and you are requested to refund me back the full amount of Rs 29,560/- paid by me
Immediately
We have already submitted this application to Mr. Rohit Vetal of Vashi branch in
hand with an acknowledgment. Copy of the acknowledgment is attached herewith.
REPLY LINK
Mehul March 17, 2016, 9:04 PM

Thanks Hemantji. I was just trapped by Country club. But after reading your article, I
made my mind to never ever go for any club membership.
REPLY LINK
Ashok Krishna March 21, 2016, 4:04 PM
Thank God You just saved me 3 Lakhs. I am about to take CM membership
REPLY LINK
Sanjay March 30, 2016, 9:55 PM
Many thanks for detail review. Now I cancelled the appointment of their executive
who is scheduled to meet me next week.
REPLY LINK
Sunny May 6, 2016, 11:28 AM
Thanks for the review. You have helped me save my hard earned money. I was
invited by Club Mahindra executive for a dinner and presentation Yesterday by call at
a hotel and they promised me free 2 nights 3 days voucher and dinner for attending.
The sales executive tried 45 minutes to lure me showing exotic videos. I liked the
presentation. In the end he asked me that will i take my decision right now. I said no
as i need time to think but i asked him if he can share the prices. He said that prices
are only shared by his Manager and if you are not ready to buy it this time. My
manager will not waste his time meeting you and quoting the prices. My answer was
no as i am not a impulsive buyer. He handed me free voucher for 2 nights and 3 days
stay which can be used in 6 months with some dates limitations. If you can review
that free voucher also i would be grateful to you.
P.S. They promised me free dinner on phone but never even asked once for it. I think
dinner was only for those customers who buy the membership package.
REPLY LINK
o Shib May 6, 2016, 12:34 PM

Such losers they have never seemed to have changed a bit. The mis-selling, the
looting, the bad attitude continues. Dinner for only those who buy memberships
lol thats the worst. One can imagine what happens when you get trapped after
buying the membership.
Go ahead and use the voucher. Enjoy their facility and walk out. Note that you have
to pay extra for all the services at the resort, travel, food, water, entertainment, etc.
Their resorts, facilities are great, no complaints on that front. But once a member,
getting a reservation is a tough job ! Good that you didnt get trapped !
REPLY LINK
o Bhushan May 12, 2016, 7:56 PM

Go and Enjoypreferably attach club Mahindra booking with your another planned
tripthat way you dont waste money in traveling long distance just for 3d/2n.
Facilities, service and locations No doubts, its really awesome, you will enjoy it
Cost of additional service cost is pretty high for food (though test is good) ..if you
have vehicle, you can visit city for food.
REPLY LINK
shubhakar May 17, 2016, 7:01 PM
I was about to buy the membership. want to check for honest reviews and there you
go.
you saved my money sir.
REPLY LINK
Ajith May 21, 2016, 2:22 PM
Can any one guide about Karma Royal Group. Since morning am searching web,
coming across 95% negative views for Mahindra, Country club, RCI
REPLY LINK
yuvraj wantu May 24, 2016, 12:52 PM
Thanks to you , i am saved other wise i was also putting lacks in the drain. thanks
again.
REPLY LINK
Tushar June 3, 2016, 6:06 PM

My Calculations are like this:
Facts:
I have 1 school going child. I am a salaried person. So, I can enjoy holidays only
around vacations or public holidays.
That means I need to invest at least 4 5 lakh for a studio or similar membership.
If I put this 5 lakh in SIP / FD, I earn 40,000-50,000 per year. Additionally, I save at
least 10,000 in annual fees. So, totally I am making 60,000/- per year If I DONT buy
any membership.
Now, with this 60,000/- I can book at least 7 to 10 Nights at really good Hotels /
resorts , & that too at different locations, enabling me to explore the entire area
rather than sitting at resort.
So, when people contacted me for such memberships, I explained them my logic, and
they just smiled at me, and went away, and NEVER contacted me again!!!
REPLY LINK
o Ankur June 11, 2016, 9:21 AM

Last I checked, 7 nights stay at Goa during Christmas & New year in a 1BR apartment
in a decent resort was around 35K per night during the said period. I hold a purple
1BR for past 10 years & have always found value in their resorts. I like to travel with
my family during peak season and touchwood have always had a great time at their
resorts. Its just that you have to be wise while booking your holidays. I usually book
on the day the booking opens and block 2 multi-day slots. Then later, I cancel one of
them as I finalize the dates for travel. There is no penalty for cancellation until
15days before travel.
Just to conclude, I would not spend 1.5-2L on a 7 day holiday if I didnt have the
membership. In normal course, I would have booked in some mediocre place or
would have traveled during lean period.
PS: Ive been to Goa thrice & Puducherry once during the new year time, and it was
just awesome. Other places I have been(during peak) are Kandaghat, Poovar,
Ashtamudi, Ooty & Binsar. Never been disappointed. In fact, this year end also we
plan to go to Goa. Love the place.
REPLY LINK
o Sandeep July 16, 2016, 10:19 PM

I am reading the reviews for making a purchase or not. Have read a lot about making
an FD etc and calculations shown. But no one is considering the tax component on
interest which may work out above 20% also.
Would like to know if I am missing something.
REPLY LINK
Ashish Nigam June 14, 2016, 5:51 PM
Sales pitch is OK, but one thing I did not like that is selling through emotional
exploitation of kids.
My son participated in Spell bee competition. After some times I received a call
inviting me with family saying that your son has won XXX prize and hell be awarded
with 3N 4D holiday. That time they did not declared even that they are from CM. I
specially asked, please do not call us if this is a sales call. Our time is precious, well
come only if my son has really won. They said yes, he has won and there is no sales
pitch.
Excited by my sons winning we reached 35 KM away to GK-2 in Delhi. After killing
my two hours and assessing my income, they offered award of 3N4D exactly in exam
days of kids, that to at huge price.
Most of the time they were just trying to sell membership. I felt highly disappointed
as I discovered that the Spell Bee competition was sponsored by them to hunt
perspective buyers, not the talented kids.
They played with my kids emotion who was excited that he has really won some thing
good.
REPLY LINK
Vishwagowda June 18, 2016, 8:12 PM
Thanks you saved me toooo :-))
REPLY LINK
ishan shah June 28, 2016, 4:55 PM
i agree to hemant n really liked his analysis on it but i think u cannot consider
interests on each n everything like leisure n holidaysthe memories which club
mahindra created, i dont think would have been possible had i not been a member
well just my 2 cents having said that i would still like to sell my Club mahindra
membership white studio 2010.. with 21 nights spareas i m not married yet n
parents dont use them so often INTERESTED PEOPLE EMAIL
ON ishan2468@gmail.com
(WHITE STUDIO 2010)
REPLY LINK
o VIRAL RUGHANI July 4, 2016, 4:13 PM

my mob no is 9825065567 pl contact me if u want to sell
REPLY LINK
dhananjay kumar July 2, 2016, 11:09 PM

thanks i saw all comments regarding membership horrible ..
i want to talk in detail if any member is from mangalore ple my contact no :-
9844333199 .
REPLY LINK
sk kahali July 8, 2016, 2:03 PM
I MADE THE BIGGEST MISTAKE IN MY LIFE BY JOINING CLUB MAHINDRA

HOLIDAYS : MEMBERSHIP NO 2629053
Friends,
I am writing this to share my experience of club Mahindra holidays (CMH). I am a
RED STUDIO MEMBER (second highest category) since may 2015. I have already
paid Rs 4,73,500/- for the membership plus the annual subscription fee ( ASF ) of Rs
12569/- for the year 2015 ie ALMOST RUPEES FIVE LAKHS .
Despite several attempts, I have never been able to avail a single days holiday from
CMH till date due to the following reasons:
Club mahindra has never been able to give me a resort at the place of my choice.
Reservation was never available whenever I wanted to go on a holiday, even though
not in a peak season , despite my being a red season member (second highest
category).
Even if I got a resort by some stroke of luck, I didnt get the duration of my choice
( if I wanted 4 nights, only 2 nights were available).
Even at all I got a resort, the type of room available did not suit me ( I wanted
studio apartment but CMH offered me a (smaller) hotel unit.
Every time I was told that that I must do my booking 120 days in advance (which is a
very difficult thing to do in my profession. The same must be the case with many
members). This is an unreasonable condition. All the same, this time I was
determined, so on 01 july 2016 ( the day booking was opened for the month of oct
2016), I tried to book two resorts of my choice ie virajpet ,coorg from 03-06 oct 2016
and at verka, goa from 07-10 oct 2016. However when I logged in at approximately
1PM, on the same day, I could not get confirmed bookings at both these resorts!!
IMAGINE ON THE FIRST DAY OF BOOKING, BEING A RED STUDIO MEMBER,
ONE IS UNABLE TO GET A RESORT OF ONES CHOICE one can imagine the
outcome if one tries to do a booking say 30 days in advance!! Apparently the
bookings for these resorts were over within the first 3 hours of the booking window
on the very 1st day!!So I had to be contended to book for resorts which were my
second choice ie madekeri, coorg/ emerald palms, goa.
I analyzed the whole issue very deliberately based on my experience with club
Mahindra over the past one year, and came to the following conclusions:
These is A SERIOUS DEMAND AND SUPPLY MISMATCH club Mahindra has
kept on increasing its members without increasing resort capacity. Hence it is
virtually impossible to avail a holiday at the PLACE/ TIME/ DURATION/
ACCOMMODATION OF ONES CHOICE, unless one plans 120 days in advance and
logs in at 9.30 AM on first day when bookings are open or plans a holiday in absolute
lean non tourist season ( Kashmir in peak winters, and goa during the monsoons)!!
Some resorts are very small (eg Baiguney,Sikkim, which has hardly 20 rooms).some
are leased properties which are actually hotels but CMH calls them resorts eg
gangtok, sikkim/ Bangkok, thailand.
CMH is a big hoax with a colorful website making tall promises and several
conditions cleverly hidden in fine print bulk of them favoring CMH and not the
customer.
By the time one understands the game, its too late to exit as the terms of exiting the
membership are heavily in favour of CMH.
It is better to put the amount invested in CMH in a fixed deposit and utilize the
interest for availing a holiday every year at the time/place/duration/ resort or hotel
of ones choice today there are no dearth of hotels/ resorts in our country or abroad
with neumerous booking portals offering fabulous choices and flexible options.
Also, CMH is very prompt in penalizing you by deducting your credit holidays in case
you dont cancel your conformed booking 15 days in advance. (I lost 2 days since I
couldnt visit lonavla in june this year due to cancellation of my leave due to
unforeseen exigencies of service).
To conclude, IT IS A BAD EXPERIENCE One did not expect this kind of service
from the house Mahindras !! Several times I wanted the e mail id of Mr Anand
Mahindra from the call centre/ office staff, so that I could apprise him of how CMH
is fooling gullible people, but they refused.
With best wishes

Colonel SK Kahali
REPLY LINK
Sourabh July 29, 2016, 4:33 PM
Hello,
If anyone wants to sell CM membership then inform me
at sourabhshukla_2007@rediffmail.com
With lowest quote.
Thank you
REPLY LINK
ATS August 16, 2016, 2:27 PM
I am a club Mahindra member from 2009. I started with Studio white and then
slowly moved to Studio red, then to Studio purple and now I am Purple 1 BR. I have
already visited more than 14 Indian resorts and also Dubai in UAE.
I am very happy and satisfied with the overall experience. The food is surely
expensive but the spread and quality justifies that. When we dont want food at the
resort, we have it outside- that is a decision the member can make.
Booking at some season is a problem if not done earlier, which is pretty much the
same for any other good resort in the location. But looks like they are building up
more properties where there is more demand. Goa is an example- there are now 3
resorts in Goa.
Overall I am very satisfied with the overall club Mahindra experience.
From the financial perspective also, it is working out better. Even Fariyas at Lonavla
or Ambe Valley charge 12,000- 15000 per night.
And most important, I do not work in any Mahindra company.
REPLY LINK
vrusha September 8, 2016, 9:44 PM
Good information .I was about to pay.I thought before giving my card I should once
view the experiences of other persons.It really helped indeed.
REPLY LINK
o Hemant Beniwal September 13, 2016, 12:27 PM

Hi Vrusha,
Good to hear that it helped in taking some decisions.
I am really thankful top people who shared their experiences here.
REPLY LINK
Tania Fernandes October 1, 2016, 2:24 PM
In the same boat my man. We are in the Red season and when we purchased this
membership it was the highest and most flexible season. Now they have downgraded
this season and made Purple season the highest and most flexible (exactly the same
as old Red season.)My dad works on the ship so we cant plan our holidays in
advance and so we really needed the highest season. But they downgraded our
season without informing us and now we cant avail our holidays. We havent used a
holiday in years cause they always say its unavailable.
So I say screw them. I want to take them to court so that this doesnt happen to
anyone else.
REPLY LINK
RAJESH November 6, 2016, 11:26 PM
CHETAR,FRAUD THERE EXECUTIVES specially delhi branch Vaishali ARE ALSO

MAHA CHETER WHEN THEY SELL MEMBERSHIP EMOTIONALLY CONVINCED
PERSON & GIVE FALSE COMMITMENTS TO CUSTOMERS BE WARE FROM
THEM DO NOT GO TO ATTEND ANY PRESENTATION CONVEY THIS MESSAGE
TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS DO NOT BUY THIS MEMBERSHIP IT WAS TOTALLY
WASTAGE OF MONEY YOU CAREFULLY CALCULATE THE AMT YOU PAY
INTEREST & ALL CHARGES INCLUDING ASF WAS TOTLAY LOSS
REPLY LINK
Amal November 26, 2016, 1:03 PM
I do not need to repeat all that has been rightly posted already. It is a TRAP to
smartly tangle in simple people. You go on paying for what you never own to use as
per your convenience. with limited resorts and unlimited members only a few lucky
ones can avail of the limited days at resorts. That too is compensated by them by
paying heavy bills for that. Members pay EMIs and maintainance for what is never
owned by them. The owners of Club Mahindra reap gains on what they have never
paid for.
REPLY LINK
Paresh January 3, 2017, 1:58 PM
Hi,
I am Red Studio members with Club Mahindra since 2005. Considering the
membership cost, the fast increasing Annual Service Fee of about 14,000-15000 per
annum, non-availability of rooms (in some resorts they sell the rooms for payment
denying the rooms for members) and other holiday options available, i recommend
non-members to not buy their membership. Its not worth it.
REPLY LINK
Prakash January 15, 2017, 11:54 AM
Dear All,
Whoever is saying that Club Mahindra is their biggest mistake is actually an outcome
of their frustration and bad planning. And todays social media is the best way to vent
out the anger/frustration.
My experience, you can very well use the holidays if you plan well and if you do
proper calculation you will see the ROI 10-11 years, however only compare inflation
in terms the resort prices. If you take ASF in consideration than its 5nights free per
year, which is still better.
REPLY LINK
Vinayak January 30, 2017, 11:04 PM
Thanks for sharing so much of your personal experience. I was planning to buy one
membership this year. (Y)

Club Mahindra Membership Biggest Financial Mistake

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Club Mahindra Membership Biggest Financial Mistake

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Club Mahindra Membership is my biggest

Upfront I am accepting that buying Club Mahindra Membership was my biggest

Club Mahindra Membership Fees

First is type of Rooms

Club Mahindra Membership Annual Subscription Fees

Club Mahindra Membership Cancellation Policy

44% members are not utilizing their holidays

My Mistakes from which you should learn

Sumant July 17, 2012, 11:11 AM

awesome post. will help a lot of people.

o Hemant Beniwal July 17, 2012, 9:42 PM

Varun July 10, 2015, 6:01 PM

Bhatt July 4, 2016, 10:27 AM

Amit Sharma October 18, 2016, 7:37 PM

Ram Parthasarathy December 8,

gunjan December 21, 2016, 12:09 PM

gun December 23, 2016,

j srinivas January 18, 2017, 11:43

Sunil Sathe November 17, 2016, 10:52 PM

Pratik November 22, 2016, 12:00 PM

Archana Pawar saxena December 11,

Rajeev December 11, 2016, 3:39

Sakshi December 13, 2016, 2:28

Sanjeev December 15, 2016, 5:32

Please lemme know @ +91 9603733324

Rajesh December 19, 2016,

I WANT TO BUY. GIVE

Bhatt November 29, 2016, 12:20 AM

AMIT KUMAR January 8, 2017, 5:10 PM

Rajnish January 27, 2017, 11:52 AM

o Amit Sidham August 25, 2012, 5:13 PM

Following explanation would clarify the same-

1. Lets begin with What you pay Vs What you get?

Year Value Holiday

4. Food is expensive as compared to ordinary hotels but economical as compared to 5

Common Sense October 3, 2012, 12:54 PM

Amit Sidham October 11, 2012, 6:31 PM

BV December 4, 2012, 8:10 AM

Syam December 25, 2016, 6:48 PM

Shib January 14, 2013, 2:30 PM

Rajesh Premani May 19, 2013,

KC August 5, 2014, 12:37 PM

Mukul Tyagi September 14, 2013, 3:26

Amit Sidham is an employee of Club Mahindra Holidays, dont consider his

jitendra June 14, 2014, 2:37 PM

Raveesh Badoni February 17, 2015, 10:56 AM

deepa January 26, 2014, 5:39 PM

Himanshu March 31, 2014, 1:49 AM

Never go for Club Mahindra

subu June 20, 2015, 6:17 PM

Shobhit July 5, 2015, 12:27 AM

harsha November 4, 2015, 1:53 PM

o desikan narayan October 3, 2013, 12:26 PM

Bobby February 27, 2014, 8:42 AM

Can you share you contact details

Might be interested in purchasing your membership

mangesh shinde May 1, 2014, 5:15 PM

prabhu August 25, 2014, 12:17 AM

Maheen September 30, 2014, 1:40

Parvathi December 16,

Anand jain May

how much you want

Gitesh Agrawal October 3, 2014, 10:51