This was really a nice feeling to receive a very pleasant & humble call from Club Mahindra representative offering a 2 nights 3 Days free holiday without any expenditure. The lady, Prerna, clearly mentioned that I do not need to carry any money or credit card when visiting Club Mahindra center to emphasize that this is just a free gift to a lucky person like me. Oh... I was overwhelmed. I was asked to visit 42, 43 behind Shiva Motors, Center Stage Mall, Noida with my wife (this was a mandatory requirement). I reached the place at the time 2pm as was requested by Prerna that if I reach there at 2 pm I'll get free PVR tickets for family as an extra bonus. The place was like a canteen, people sitting around round tables.
This was the big mistake I did in my life. Please read again... I am saying... going to there was "A BIG MISTAKE OF MY LIFE".
The sales persons are very smart and they hit at the right note. You cannot overcome those trained guys. The guys cleverly did not tell me the exact cost of the package (I opted for While package). Please note that Club Mahindra membership is only for staying at there resorts (does not included any expenditure on travel to the place and local tourism).
I paid around Rs 25400 as 10% booking amount and I was given Club Mahindra "White" membership for 25 years. Guys total cost of the package is not 254000 as mentioned by Club Mahindra sales person.
Actual cost also includes around Rs 9000 per annum as maintenance charges. It also includes RCI membership fees, around Rs 3000 per annum.
So total cost is 254000 (25 * 9000) (25 * 3000)
= 254000 225000 75000
= Rs 554000
Now, if you opt for RCI (i.e. non-Club Mahindra resorts, as you will need it if visiting out of India. Club Mahindra has its own resort, out of India, only in Thailand), you need to pay from Rs 5000 to 14000 extra at the time of visit. Please bear in your mind that Thailand tourism is very cheap as compared to other countries, you can get a holiday package from any tourism agency starting from Rs 15000 per person, including everything.
Now, my dear friends, this cost does not include Air fare, airport transfers, visa, site-seeing.. and so on. Also, you have to get it arranged separately (an extra headache).
Now, comes the nightmare part...
I decided to get my Club Mahindra membership (1815950) cancelled. As, was mentioned by sales representative (it's very easy to cancel membership... just drop an email to out feedback centre, and rest assured... you'll get your membership cancelled within a week), dropped an email to [email protected]
Received a reply that Delhi - Bhikaji office will be contacting you within 48 hours (very impressing).
Forget 48 hours, you'll never receive any call from Club Mahindra, if you place a request to cancel your membership. Nobody, at Club Mahindra will entertain your request to cancel the membership and refund the money to you.
I have consulted a lawyer in my colony and planning to file a case against Club Mahindra, but for innocent persons, my advice...
Whenever you receive a call from Club Mahindra, offering you a free holiday voucher... "PLEASE DO NOT GO TO CLUB MAHINDRA CENTER". You can get far cheaper and less hectic options in the form of complete holiday package from Tour Operators.
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