How Club Loco Vacation Club Works and What to Know Before Joining

Club Loco is a timeshare membership that lets you book vacation stays at partner resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean

Club Loco Vacation Club operates as a timeshare program where members purchase points or intervals that give them the right to stay at affiliated resorts. The company focuses on destinations in Mexico—including Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta—and some Caribbean locations. Members typically pay an upfront purchase price, then annual maintenance fees, in exchange for the ability to book accommodations at participating properties.

The structure is straightforward: you own a certain number of points or a specific week at a resort, and you use those to reserve rooms during your chosen travel dates. Unlike a hotel booking where you pay per night, timeshare membership means you've already paid for the right to stay, and you're managing when and where you use that right across the network of available resorts.

Key Takeaways

• Club Loco requires an upfront purchase price plus annual maintenance fees to maintain your membership and access to resorts.
• Members book stays using points or intervals at partner resorts, primarily in Mexico and select Caribbean destinations.
• Timeshare memberships can be resold, but the resale market typically offers properties at lower prices than the developer's original sale price.
• Before purchasing, review the membership contract carefully, including cancellation terms, maintenance fee increases, and what happens if you want to exit the program.
• Many timeshare owners use resale marketplaces or work with brokers if they decide to sell their membership later.

How the Points or Interval System Works

Club Loco members receive either annual points or a designated week (or weeks) at a specific resort. Points-based systems give you flexibility—you can use more points for a larger room or a peak-season date, and fewer points for an off-season stay or smaller accommodation. Interval-based memberships lock you into a particular week at a particular property, though some programs allow trading or banking unused weeks.

Each year, your points or interval resets, and you decide how to use it. Some members book the same resort every year; others rotate between properties in the network. If you don't use your allocation in a given year, policies vary—some programs let you carry unused points forward, while others require you to use them or lose them. Check your specific membership agreement to understand rollover rules.

Upfront Costs and Annual Fees

When you purchase a Club Loco membership, you pay a developer price—the amount the company charges for a new membership. This can range significantly depending on the resort, the size of your allocation, and current promotions. Beyond the purchase price, you'll owe annual maintenance fees that cover the resort's operating costs, property taxes, and management.

Maintenance fees typically increase each year, sometimes by a fixed percentage or amount set in your contract. These fees are due whether you use your membership or not. If you stop paying maintenance fees, you lose access to the resorts and may face legal action from the company. Understanding the fee schedule before you buy is critical—calculate what you'll actually spend over five or ten years, not just the initial purchase price.

Booking Stays and Blackout Dates

Once you own your membership, you contact Club Loco's reservation department to book your stay. Most timeshare programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis for popular dates, so members who book early in the year often secure prime summer weeks or holiday periods. Off-season dates are usually easier to reserve.

Many timeshare programs include blackout dates—times when you cannot use your membership, typically around major holidays or peak travel seasons. Your contract will specify which dates are restricted. Some members find this frustrating if they want to travel during school breaks or Christmas; others prefer the lower costs of traveling during shoulder seasons and don't mind the restrictions.

Trading, Banking, and Exchanging Your Membership

Some Club Loco members use exchange networks like RCI or Interval International to trade their timeshare week or points for stays at resorts outside the Club Loco network. These exchanges typically involve a separate fee and may require you to deposit your week or points into the exchange system. The availability and quality of exchange options depend on demand and the desirability of your home resort.

Banking allows you to carry unused points or weeks into the next year, though not all programs permit this and fees may apply. Understand your contract's rules on banking before you assume you can roll over unused time. Some members bank strategically to take a longer trip every other year, while others find the rules too restrictive and prefer to use their allocation annually.

Reselling Your Membership

If you decide timeshare ownership isn't right for you, you can sell your membership on the resale market. Resale prices are typically much lower than what the developer charges for new memberships—sometimes 50 to 70 percent below the original purchase price. This is normal in the timeshare industry and reflects the fact that resale buyers are not paying for the developer's sales and marketing costs.

You can list your membership with a licensed timeshare resale broker, on online marketplaces, or through private sale. Be aware that some brokers charge upfront fees, and you should verify their legitimacy before paying anything. The resale process can take weeks or months depending on demand for your specific resort and membership type. If you're unhappy with your purchase, selling is an option, but factor in the lower resale value when deciding whether to buy in the first place.

Exit Options and Cancellation Terms

Timeshare contracts are legally binding, and exiting can be complicated. Most Club Loco memberships include a rescission period—usually 5 to 10 days after purchase—during which you can cancel without penalty. This window is your strongest protection; if you have doubts, cancel during this period.

After the rescission period closes, your options narrow. You can stop paying maintenance fees, but this damages your credit and may result in legal action from the company. You can attempt to sell your membership, though as noted above, resale prices are significantly lower. Some members work with timeshare exit companies, though these services are controversial and often expensive. Before you buy, read the cancellation terms carefully and understand that you're making a long-term financial commitment that's difficult to undo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between buying from Club Loco directly and buying on the resale market?

Buying directly from Club Loco (the developer) means you pay the full retail price but may receive perks like resort credits or bonus points. Resale purchases cost significantly less but come with no developer incentives. Both give you the same access to resorts and the same membership rights; the difference is price and what extras, if any, come with the purchase.

Can I use my Club Loco membership if I can't travel one year?

That depends on your contract's banking rules. Some memberships allow you to carry unused points or weeks into the next year; others require you to use them or lose them. Check your membership agreement or contact Club Loco's member services to confirm your specific policy. Even if you don't travel, you'll still owe annual maintenance fees.

What happens if I can't afford the maintenance fees?

If you stop paying maintenance fees, you lose access to the resorts and your membership becomes delinquent. The company may pursue legal action to collect the debt, and unpaid fees can damage your credit. If you're struggling financially, contact Club Loco to discuss your options; some programs offer hardship policies or temporary fee reductions, though this is not may provide.

Is Club Loco membership a good investment?

Timeshare memberships are generally not considered financial investments. You're paying for the right to vacation at specific resorts, not building equity. The resale value is typically much lower than what you paid, and annual fees increase over time. If you enjoy vacationing at the same destinations and want predictable costs, it may make sense; if you're hoping to recoup your money later, timeshare is not the right choice.

Can I gift my Club Loco membership to family?

Some timeshare contracts allow you to transfer your membership to a family member, though the company may charge a transfer fee and require the recipient to assume the maintenance fee obligations. Check your contract or contact Club Loco to learn whether transfer is permitted and what the process involves. Gifting does not eliminate the annual fees—whoever owns the membership is responsible for paying them.