Orb.co: The Art Seller that Offers "Free" Resort Vacations on the Side
Discover the Behind-The-Curtain information about Orb.co's enticing complimentary vacations when you puchase their wall art, the fine print on fees, and whether you're really saving on your next getaway.
You may have seen Orb.co's ads on Instagram that read "Get a complimentary 7-night resort stay with a wall art order of just $139!" It sounds almost too good to be true, and for many, it's the first step down a rabbit hole of this mysterious deal. You've always been taught "If it's too good to be true, it probably is." But maybe this is the real deal? Here's a closer look at Orb.co's business model, the promises they make, and whether you should take the bait.
What Is Orb.co?
At first glance, Orb.co looks like an online art shop, offering various wall decor pieces. But the real hook isn't the art, it's the travel voucher that comes with it. With a $139 minimum purchase, Orb.co claims you'll gain access to hundreds of resort options worldwide. The company pitches it as a win-win: they fill unused resort rooms, and you get a heavily discounted vacation. Their promo video boasts that they've given away over 10,000 travel vouchers and the average savings are about $900 on a 7-night stay.
According to their site, the deal covers your stay but not airfare, food, or resort taxes and fees. These fees, Orb.co explains, range from $40–$75 per night which is significantly lower than the standard rates for these resorts.
How Does It Work?
Once you join Orb.co's waitlist by texting a provided number, you'll receive alerts when new travel vouchers become available. When a voucher is released, you're prompted to purchase wall art or a gift card for $139. After your purchase, you receive a travel voucher via email, which grants you access to the resort booking system.
The Reality of "Complimentary"
Orb.co markets its offers as complimentary vacations, but here's where things get murky:
Taxes and Fees:
While the nightly rate may be discounted, fees add up. Most resorts require $45–$55 per night in taxes and fees. For instance, a Bahamas trip might cost $383.90 in taxes for seven nights, still cheaper than the full price but far from "free."
Mandatory Surcharges:
Beyond taxes, some resorts tack on additional fees like a mysterious utility surcharge ($90–$360 based on room size).
Upgrade Costs:
Many resorts reserve the most desirable dates and locations for upgrade fees. For example, Hawaiian resorts often have upgrade costs starting at $50–$198 per night (on top of the Taxes and Fees), making even the cheapest option over $1,100 for seven nights after fees and after your original $139 purchase.
Availability:
Some destinations, like Hawaii, may have limited or no "free" weeks available, leaving you to pay higher upgrade costs to secure a booking.
However, it is important to note that this Hawaii limitation IS clearly noted on their website before you purchase. Their disclaimer says that Hawaii resorts will typically only offer upgrade options for all resorts..
Even after you go to redeem your voucher, they have another huge disclaimer on their Hawaii page, presumably to provide context to confused customers who missed the first disclaimer.
Is It Worth It?
Orb.co's model isn't a scam! However,it's essential to manage your expectations! Nothing is free and the taxes and fees add up quickly.
- Flexibility is Key: To find a deal, you'll need to be open to less popular travel dates.
- These were Timeshare Rooms: The best availablilty and offers might be in destinations with a high number of timeshare offerings such as Orlando or Las Vegas.
- Hawaii and Premium Locations: While options exist, fees and upgrades often erode the savings Orb.co advertises.
- International Destinations: In some cases, international resorts may offer more value, as long as you're okay with taxes and surcharges.
For example:
- An Orlando vacation might cost you $425.73 plus daily resort fees. That's still a decent discount but far from complimentary.
- A Hawaiian getaway, on the other hand, could climb to over $1,100 once all fees are considered, even after the initial $139 purchase.
- A Vegas resort might average at just under $100/night including the $139.
Should You Try It?
If you're willing to navigate the fine print, Orb.co can offer savings on certain vacations. However, it's not the "complimentary" vacation the ads suggest. Think of it as a discounted travel club with upfront costs.
For seasoned travelers with flexibility and a sharp eye for value, it might be worth exploring. But if you're expecting a no-strings-attached luxury getaway, you'll likely be disappointed.
Before you click that "Buy" button, weigh the actual costs, and read the fine print. Your dream vacation could still come with a hefty bill.
