Club Wyndham Bentley Brook to Close and Enter Bankruptcy Sale, Impacting Jiminy Peak Market
Club Wyndham Bentley Brook, a 152-unit timeshare complex at the base of Jiminy Peak in Hancock, MA, is slated to close at the end of the month and will be sold as part of a bankruptcy proceeding. The resort spans five buildings and has long served as a major lodging base for Jiminy Peak skiers and regional visitors.
A notice on the resort’s website stated that “a majority of the ownership for this resort has voted to cease operations and close the resort at the end of the year,” encouraging owners and guests to consider alternative New England locations. The move is part of a broader portfolio shift: Bentley Brook is one of ten Club Wyndham resorts scheduled to close nationwide, seven of them on the East Coast.
Local Tourism Ripple Effects
The closure is expected to have immediate implications for Hancock’s tourism ecosystem. Jiminy Peak, Vacation Village, Ramblewild, and nearby cultural attractions rely on steady visitor traffic—much of which has historically flowed through Bentley Brook.
Jiminy Peak’s ownership estimates that 10,000 to 15,000 skier visits annually come from guests staying at Bentley Brook. Brian Fairbank, chair of Fairbank Group, said he has received limited information about the shutdown.
“We understand it’s shutting down Jan. 10 and filing for bankruptcy,” he said. “We would hope that another timeshare developer might look at it, but time will tell.”
Owner Reactions
Longtime owners expressed disappointment and confusion, noting that the property underwent extensive renovations this year, including roof and siding repairs. Many questioned why, if structural issues were as significant as implied, such capital improvements were completed so recently.
Alan S. Brown of Dayton, N.J., a 15-year owner, said he believes the improvements were made to prepare the resort for sale rather than for the long-term benefit of owners.
“What they did with my maintenance dollars is fix it up so it’s easier to sell to somebody else after booting me out,” he said.
Club Wyndham’s media team declined further comment, referring owners back to the company’s November 26 announcement.
How the Closure Was Authorized
Although Wyndham Vacation Resorts Inc. holds a majority ownership interest in the Bentley Brook Interval Owners’ Association, it could not unilaterally shut down the resort. However, its majority position allowed it to approve closure measures during a virtual owners’ meeting held November 19.
According to the agenda, the association’s finances were “currently sound,” but some members preferred selling the property over funding an estimated $13.2 million in future renovations through increased maintenance fees or special assessments. Owners voted to authorize a bankruptcy filing, close the resort December 31, suspend 2026 maintenance fees, and proceed with a sale.
Owners now have two options: accept a distribution of sale proceeds or exchange their deed for Club Wyndham Access points.
Visitor Sentiment
Regular visitors also expressed disappointment. Some noted that the resort was consistently full and valued for its location and quiet setting. Several praised the staff for exceptional service during past stays—stories that highlight the on-site team’s strong reputation as the resort approaches its final days.
A Last Goodbye
For many longtime owners, the closure represents more than a business decision—it’s the end of a place tied to family history and repeat visits. Some plan to return for one final stay before the last guests depart, expressing concern for staff members and sadness over the resort’s closure.
Adapted from reporting by The Berkshire Eagle. Read the original article:
https://www.berkshireeagle.com/business/club-wyndham-bentley-brook-closing-sale/article_df85156a-ae70-459f-bc8c-8aae1216073f.html
