New timeshares are being built with increasingly upscale furnishings and amenities. Whether youre looking for a family getaway or a romantic escape, Westgate has the perfect resort for you. As one of the worlds largest and most popular time share companies, Westgate Resorts offers exceptional properties in many of the most prominent vacation destinations in the U.S. This disadvantage is what trips up most people. We are not interested in keeping and maintaining our contract with Westgate and they refuse to provide us with a viable option for exiting our contract. She is the author of, Surviving A Timeshare PresentationConfessions From The Sales Table and Timeshare Vacations For Dummies. In addition to her blog, The Timeshare Crusader she is also the lead timeshare advocate at Elliott.org. Have been LIED to multiple times from 80-90% of their employees. Maintenance fees cover the grounds and housekeeping services, utilities, insurance, on-site management, keeping facilities and appliances up and running, applicable real estate taxes, replacing broken items, and reserves for major improvement projects such as remodeling, new roofs, and so on. Total cost in today's dollars**, * Assuming $200/night Notice: The accessibility features listed here are not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all accessible features of the facility, rooms and/ or amenities for this specific Resort. Our fees for 2020 were $1488 dollars. With floating weeks, it is your responsibility to reserve the week . A timeshare is vacation real estate ownership where several people share the use of a property, usually for one or more weeks on an annual basis for a given number of years. You will have access to all of Westgates resorts, which can save you money on airfare and lodging. I went back to my car after 2 hours. Timeshare Pros and Cons; Though the details differ amongst vacation clubs, in general, timeshare points allow owners flexibility in the duration of their stays. You dont want any unpleasant surprises when you show up for your vacation. Some companies provide options around the world that make it easier to find a place to stay when traveling to a foreign country. We arrived at the hotel about 5:30 to check in there is a huge line of almost 45 minutes to check in, when I get to the front desk my reservation was nowhere to be found, the girls at the front desk kept looking for my reservation for about 20 minutes asking me all kinds of questions, "Your name, your email. Unsubscribe easily. ---------- When you consider depreciation, travel costs and maintenance fees on top of an uncertainty of use the concept of prepaying for your vacations may not pencil out. Westgate Resorts: Orlando, Florida: United States 28: 13,500: Shell Vacation Club Orlando, Florida: United States, Canada, Mexico 25: 86,000: With shared deeded ownership, each timeshare owner is granted a percentage of the real property itself, correlating to the amount of time purchased. To buy or not is totally up to you. Request a Resort Discovery Preview today! If you want a holiday week, you may not be able to trade your timeshare for it, because there are many timeshare owners hoping for the same week. We work hard for our money and wished we would have found a more honest company to do business with. . Timeshare ownership may not be best for your lifestyle. Some of the top destinations in the Westgate portfolio include popular locations like Orlando, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Park City, Branson, and more! Unfortunately, it is often difficult to factor them in, since they are not a constant. Before walking into a situation where you know there will be a pitch, educate yourself on timeshare and go into it with an understanding of the pros and cons and what makes financial sense for your family's lifestyle. Many owners love their timeshares, but due to misinformation, not . They take months to respond and then their responses are so obviously templates, they dont even take the time to make sure their fonts match. This means buying the right to spend a set period in a vacation property. Because state laws closely regulate mortgage lender foreclosure actions, foreclosure on a timeshare can become a time consuming and expensive process for the mortgage lender. Buying a timeshare in a foreign country presents special challenges. We purchased a Westgate Timeshare in 2016 and for the rest of the remaining years, it's been nothing short of HELL. And, although some RTO timeshares are contracts in perpetuity, most have an end date . And staying in a Westgate Myrtle Beach timeshare, youll fall asleep to the crashing of waves and awaken to spectacular sunrises over the Atlantic. But anyway, he keeps the pressure on until I finally got up like I was leaving and then I sat back down. Ownership has its advantages and no matter where you choose to purchase timeshare real estate, you'll have full exchange privileges to every Westgate property as well as thousands more around the world. But is Westgate Timeshare right for you? Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. If you must borrow to purchase a timeshare, you have no business buying one. Most banks and mortgage brokers are not willing to mortgage timeshares. Warranty Deed We Recommend Personal Finance Enjoy all the benefits of an upscale home away from home including private bedrooms, spacious living areas and big screen televisions with DVDs. While timeshares typically come with many benefits and can be a great long-term investment, there are also some potential drawbacks that should be weighed . Had an issue at check in which we sorted out but we ended up paying full price for the first night. Housing Policy Council - HPC: A subsidiary of the Financial Services Roundtable, formed in 2003, in recognition of the fact that many roundtable members are directly involved in providing mortgage . You will see huge, successful brand names getting totally involved with this market like Marriott, Starwood, Hyatt, and Disney. Last Minute Timeshare Rentals TUG Bargain Deals Section The TUGBBS forums are completely free and open to the public and exist as the absolute best place for owners to get help and advice about their timeshares for more than 29 years! Timeshare: A timeshare is an ownership model in which many customers own allotments of usage in the same property. You should also check with the seller to see if the contract will contain provisions protecting you from surprise assessment fees. 3. It wouldn't be right to simply comment on timeshare without looking at some comparisons. Timeshare scams are at an all-time high, especially when they come as timeshare resales scams. Also, consumer protection laws in some countries are more lax and lack enforcement. Copyright 2022 Consumers Unified LLC. By investing in a timeshare, you can obtain the use of an expensive property at a price that is more fordable for your budget. They vary greatly based on resort location, unit size, and amenities. If youre even a little bit curious about timeshare ownership, renting one is a great way to experience the vacation ownership lifestyle without committing to a purchase. You will therefore have to ensure that you have the entire amount ready at the time . Join Tens of Thousands of other Owners just like you here to get any and all Timeshare questions answered! While you're at the resort, speak with owners about their experiences. So ideally, this should be a place you want to go back to every year for the foreseeable future. As a type of vacation ownership, most timeshares are condo-style resorts in which numerous people have bought rights to use a property or a collection of properties. Before you make your decision, its important to weigh the pros and cons of Westgate Timeshare. Over the past 8 years, we've made payments of $180 a month and it already exceeded the total price of the unit, but we still have to book our family vacay based on when they have the unit vacant, that isn't even the argument here, My argument is, why the ** are you charging me this money and I'm still not able to book when I want? $16,500 For instance, if a buyer wished to purchase two weeks of annual vacation time at a . Designed and Developed by Ogrelogic. Most of all, be sure to enjoy your vacation. There are some hotel chains that offer suites, but they are often difficult to find, and two or more bedrooms are hard to come-by. I first saw this hotel on Expedia and also some family member have a time shares and I visited last year for a day with them as a guest and saw their water park and hotel, I wasn't too sold on booking here but since I had been here last year I gave it a try. August 12, 2016. By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. The initial purchase price is not the only cost to consider, however. If you like to have a mix of activities and destinations, then this option is not right for you. If its the latter, a timeshare isnt right for you. Westgate Resorts is one of the best timeshare brands to join. For information regarding our accessibility policy, please review our Accessibility Policy. Plus a fully equipped kitchen allows for special dietary needs while saving you money by giving you the option of preparing some full meals or quick snacks in your villa. You will have more protections if your unit belongs to what is called an owners club or association. Its location on this page may change next time you visit. Their reasons for leaving were very valid. With Westgate Resorts, you own not rent your vacations. It feels like a scam with all the sales pressure they put on you. Founded in 2011, WFG helps people that are experiencing financial stress caused by a timeshare obligation. Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. Debatably the best part of staying in a Westgate timeshare is their incredible spacious and well-equipped accommodations. $24,500, Your annual maintenance fee Stay away. There are good reasons that over $10 billion in timeshares are sold every year. The beachside resort sits in the heart of the Grand Strand, putting you steps away from live entertainment, family-friendly attractions like Family KingdomMyrtle Beachs only seaside amusement park, water sports, and more. Youll be headed to the same place each year. Have you ever rented a timeshare before? It can be challenging to sell a timeshare when youre finished with it. Here are the top six benefits of renting aWestgate timesharefor your next vacation. That's my deeded unit they've taken! We are writing to you to discuss our options as it pertains to the timeshare that we have with Westgate. However, its important to consider all the pros and cons of Westgate Timeshare and make sure its the right option for you before making your purchase. 5. The resort offers a ski valet service and access to over 7,300 skiable acres and 300+ trails. If youre considering buying a timeshare, so youll have a place to vacation regularly, youll want to understand the different types and the pros and cons. They offered Zero solution. Whats more, usually in a foreclosure, the outstanding mortgage balance and the unpaid maintenance fees are higher than the timeshares value, which creates what is called a deficiency. We want everyone possible to know how dissatisfied we are and to warn everyone we possibly can to stay away from Westgate. 4. A timeshare purchase is legally binding, not an arrangement you can opt out of, so consider the pros and cons carefully. Timeshare Owners Deserve Answers Timeshare owners don't always fully understand what they own. It is very possible to trade sites and times with other timeshare owners if you want to take a vacation at a different location. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. Are you looking for a way to make your vacation more special and unique? I filed a dispute with my bank to dispute the purchase since I canceled on the 5th of Jan 2023. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. Westgate Resorts offers a vacation destination for every family adventure. You can give it away, will it to your heirs, rent it, sell it, and so on. You also may not be able to decide last minute that you want to use your timeshare in a certain location. The benefits of timeshare ownership are extensive but evaluating timeshare pros and cons is always a subjective exercise since people's vacation needs can be very different. Bear in mind that the Better Business Bureau has been warning about timeshare reselling schemes that defrauded victims out of thousands of dollars. These snake oil salesmen really want your money, and if you have that kind of money to burn then go for it. With a timeshare, let's assume you find a deal on RedWeek.com for $8,000 with an annual maintenance fee of $550. We got the 4 day 3 night stay at the River Terrace Resort in Gatlinburg. The "owner" doesn't really own the timeshare. This is never an issue when you stay at any of the Westgate resorts because they were thoughtfully constructed with convenience in mind. Thats why you will receive a significant sales pitch if you show any interest in one. Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. Mr. Westgate is living at Versailles, and the little people who struggle to buy his timeshare and god forbid, find the time to use it, are charged a fee for every little thing. If you own timeshare, seek to be an educated timeshare owner. Fixed Week The buyer usually owns the rights to a specific unit in the same week, year in and year out, for as long as the contract stipulates. Cons- The first morning we were there the phone rang 3 times and we didn't get to it soon enough so someone came to our door and said we had to go to the front office ASAP fill out a form about any broken items in the resort or we would be liable for them. Flexible Usage Options. Owners of Westgate properties can access their account online, and they have convenient options to pay fees, change membership options, and more. Depending on the type of timeshare you purchase, you will get a certain amount of time in a holiday home each year, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious vacation without any of the stress that comes with preparing a holiday. Don't buy a timeshare or you'll join the 1000s who have great regret that they did (me included!). RedWeek.com is proud of its high success rates, but we cannot promise that there always will be a buyer wanting to purchase what you have to offer, so selling timeshares on the resale market sometimes can be difficult. These may be a new roof, repair from major storms (which insurance usually covers), and so on. That means you are limited to a right to use timeshare which may not be your first choice. A timeshare is a property that has divided ownership and rights. You can let people use your timeshare for free. If you purchased one and then decided that it wasnt right for you, selling it on the secondary market may require you to take a significant loss. That means you will own the rights to a specific unit during the same week each year for the length of the contract. So, planning farther in advance serves you better. How they sleep at night taking money for services that we never receive is beyond me. You may also discover that international consumer protection laws are sometimes not as enforceable as they are in your home country. Plus, you will have access to discounts on activities, dining, and entertainment. Have peace of mind knowing your vacations high quality getaways are locked in forever, at todays affordable prices! By continuing your browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. When you rent a Westgate timeshare, youll get the chance to book a trip with owner-direct pricing. If you end up changing your mind after the purchase, most states have "rescission period" laws that allow you to cancel the sale within two or three days. I got a deeded fixed week in '96. You can make the purchase through a developer, but it will come at an interest rate that is much higher than what you would pay for a traditional mortgage. Rather than thinking of a timeshare as a real estate investment, it is better to think of it as a purchase such as a car that may likely depreciate in value. 3. Well then they take to up to the third floor and serve you some food and drink, and then you go up to the third floor for the sales pitch, with the loud music. Consider the cost, the length of the contract, and the availability of the resorts. Timeshare reselling schemes can take your cash too. An average timeshare costs $20,000 for a family of four + $15,840 of annual maintenances fees x 18 years = $35,840 So, average timeshare family savings = $18,160+ over 18 years of vacations Do the math, take a tour, and see what membership level is right for you. For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our The company regularly throws VIP events for owners, including parties, shows, and more. Run the numbers. It provides you with a guaranteed vacation destination. Once youve decided on a package, you can move forward with the purchase and start making plans for your vacation getaway. FAQ. 6. Unsubscribe easily. Unlike a vacation home which may be vacant part of the year, you only pay for what you use. How do I know I can trust these reviews about Westgate Resorts? 3. You could make the time that you have available through a charity auction as a way to raise money for a good cause. You can learn of the benefits and value of vacation ownership, while making vacations and time with loved ones a priority. You can also buy a membership with one or both of the more traditional exchange companies, Resort Condominiums International (RCI) and Interval International (II), if your resort has an affiliation. 4. Or do you have a mix of activities and destinations, such as camping adventures, cruises, road trips or organized tours? This means that with deeded ownership, many deeds are issued for each property. You can choose from cozy cabins, rustic condos, or luxurious villas, all equipped with premium amenities. I would not recommend anyone to sit through one of these presentations unless you have the will power to say NO. Westgate Timeshare can make it happen! I would like to know if anyone has 'REALLY' lost their home or had something negative put on their credit record because they stopped paying for their timeshare? While these horror stories are few and far between these days, as with any industry, there occasionally still are unethical salespeople trying to do whatever it takes to bring home their commission. The best part is, when you don't go, he takes it and charges someone else to stay in it. With the Internet, you can rent timeshares anywhere you wish and you don't have the upfront buy in costs. You may be able to rent out your block of time if you cant use it, although some timeshare contracts may not permit this and website exchange services may charge you to play matchmaker. All you have to do is find someone with a timeshare in the place you want to visit who is willing to vacation at your timeshare, and then you trade. Timeshares are designed so that each unit has about 52 individual owners, each with access to the unit annually. Some families prefer to have predictability when it comes to their vacation plans each year. When you own a Westgate timeshare, you have access to luxury vacations at discounted rates. The supervisor said there is nothing she can do because my reservation didn't go through their system. However, the actual deed and therefore the ownership stays with the resort. The people at the check in were really nice, but they were over worked, and both were leaving at the end of the month. Popular Westgate property, Westgate Town Center Resort in Kissimmee, Florida is known for the deluxe villa accommodations, ranging from cozy studios, all the way up to four bedrooms that can sleep large groups. In Mexico, for example, foreigners are not allowed to hold the direct title to property within 30 miles of the coast and 60 miles of international borders. Taking care of timeshare VIP Owners of timeshare, timeshare owners of all brands, hotel guest, VIP from casino marketing your day is never dull always busy. Most timeshare units have floor plans that closely resemble two bedroom, two bathroom condos or apartments, usually with an additional sofa bed in the living room. 2. Some people enjoy letting others use their timeshare in for free for variety of reasons. As one of the world's largest and most popular time share companies, Westgate Resorts offers exceptional properties in many of the most prominent vacation destinations in the U.S. This is a small favor that we are asking considering that the company took advantage of us during the purchase process. Who has maintenance fees of $500 a year. You might enjoy letting your friends or family use their timeshare for free or offer it at a charity auction. Timeshare unit sizes vary from studios to four bedrooms, allowing plenty of room for families. Eleven of the 19 families purchased a Westgate timeshare. If I could go back to that sales rep who promised us a dream of vacation home whenever we needed it, I'd probably sue him separately. With a Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa timeshare, the number of on-site amenities is certain to wow you. Well the room was clean, but the place was old and needs lots of upgrades and a full renovation. Every October Customer Service week was a big celebration. Some timeshares allow you to rent out your fractional share. Total cost in today's dollars**, * Assuming maintenance fee remains constant We have experienced terrible customer service and this company's business practices are appalling. 1. Timeshares are hard to sell, and used timeshare units are sold at a steep discount because there are so many on the market. Well start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. When you buy a timeshare, you're making a significant upfront investment and may be more motivated to take valuable time with your family annually. Timeshare Salespeople Are Notorious for the Hard Sell Many people go to timeshare presentations with no intention of buying a timeshare. 135.00 is nothing to this company. This is similar to a condominium board, giving the propertys owners a collective voice and strength in numbers. Most exchange companies have annual membership fees + exchange fees involved when you actually do the exchange. Company Office Resort locations Number of resorts Number of rooms Number of owners . That is why it be may be wiser, although more expensive, to work with the property representatives directly. The most common type of timeshare is called a "fixed week" option. The Pros and Cons of Owning a Timeshare. Nothing was explained to us, in fact, we were told that there are multiple Westgates in Puerto Rico and the Islands, where we wanted to go on vacation, but it was all a lie. In a floating week system, the Timeshare owner is given a range of weeks to choose from each year vs the same week every year a Fixed Week offers. Editor's Note: This article has been edited and updated. If you buy a floating week timeshare, you will have more flexibility in when you use the timeshare, but availability is given on a first-come, first-served basis. This is started to become slightly comical to me now but it still very upsetting. Right-To-Use With this arrangement, the buyer leases the property for a given amount of time each year for a set amount of years. Then you dont have to worry about maintaining it throughout the year. These last minute deals offer convenience online booking and a 100% reservation guarantee. They are greedy and ruthless and will leave you out to die unless you pay thrice the amount at which you booked their room!! For most it is something to stay way far away from. A resort membership requires a one-time payment for access to a resort. If you have never been to a timeshare resort, take advantage of some of the fantastic deals on RedWeek.com and rent a timeshare week first. The prices for a timeshare cost more than our house costs and what you get is only a week for each room you get. Westgate Resorts is a family of resorts headquartered in Miami Beach, FL. x 30 The company offers customers more than 13,500 timeshare villas and access to properties at 28 resorts. Do you really go to the same place at the same time every year? This entire timeshare thing is a money graball the way around. We booked a night at the wrong location by accident while evacuating from Hurricane Ian. There are many different opinions regarding the pros and cons of timeshare ownership. To learn more, please view our privacy policy. Numerous outposts: Many timeshare resorts offer features such as swimming pools, activity centers, restaurants, full-service spas, fitness centers, movie theaters, and more. Foreigners cannot hold the direct title to a property is it 30 miles of the coast or 60 miles of an international border. I found out we were having a long weekend because of Presidents' Day and decided to head to Orlando for some Universal Studios fun for the kids and family and booked a three day stay at this hotel. Then, lenders can go after your other assets. Let me get my supervisor," at the point it had been 40 minutes before a supervisor came out. RUN AWAY! Timeshare is no different. VIP owner events: Nolo notes that one of the consequences of this disadvantage is that it can affect your ability to obtain future credit. Karen L. If you are a CH or Carriage Ridge owner, join our fight to get out. Timeshare ownership is convenient, since the management company handles the day-to-day operations. The material below may help you decide. Westgate also offers great customer service, so you can rest assured that your vacation will run smoothly. 1. But it's not to me. 8. Our timeshare rep at Westgate Smokey Mountain Resort was great. The resort offers complimentary shuttle service to get you to and from where you can check out the restaurants, casinos, entertainment, and nightlife. And while you probably will still want to go out and explore, its nice to have the option to stay back and relax while the kids stay entertained. (Unless you sign up for the more complicated timeshares that allow you to try different destinations in that resort's participating locations. Westgate Resorts is a timeshare company that was founded by David Siegel in 1982. The resort is beautiful with plenty of amenities.3. After considering the pros and cons of having a timeshare, my conclusion is that it is not always worth it. Interval International is the second-largest timeshare exchange company, with RCI being the largest. pros and cons of westgate timeshare. When you experience a foreclosure with your timeshare, it functions as one would on your primary residence if you stopped paying your mortgage. However, if you are worried about the fee, consider taking simple precautions before you buy. Timeshare resorts are known to have a lot of additional benefits like multiple swimming pools, kid's clubs, full-service spas, multiple on-site restaurants and bars, daily and weekly activities, fitness centers, and much more. We listened to everything they said, and decided this is something we just did not care to do. There are annual fees that you must consider with this ownership opportunity. Once you've paid the upfront fee, if you can afford the yearly maintenance and actually use your timeshare, you are better off holding on to it. 50 Intense Pros and Cons of Dropping the Atomic Bomb, 20 Intriguing Pros and Cons of Becoming a State National, Pros And Cons Of Higher Education For Police Officers. Westgate is also a community-focused company, and the company donates more than 2 million dollars each year through the Westgate Resorts Foundation. Ownership offers plenty. This is already feeling off, but let's talk about those six reasons timeshares really aren't worth it. If you bank the timeshare and he charges someone else a fee to stay there, you should not be charged anything if and when you find the time to stay there later. When you own a timeshare, you have the ability to exchange for another resort. All Rights Reserved. If you have lots of money well maybe this is something you can get--but remember this is for life and we know getting out of a timeshare is almost impossible. Not only will you have access to all of Westgates resorts, but you will also be able to exchange your timeshare for a stay at other timeshare resorts worldwide. There are other niceties they say you can get and they show you other locations you can go to. Timeshares require you to only pay for what you use. Anyway, we stayed in Gatlinburg, and it was not really to our liking, although the mountains were beautiful. When you become a timeshare owner with Westgate, you can enjoy a variety of benefits. Timeshare is a vacation ownership system which allows multiple people to share the same piece of property. Come find out why. We travel often and have never had this issue with other companies. 4. 7. If you buy an annual fixed week, you are guaranteed that same week each year at a resort you are familiar with, and don't have the hassle of vacation planning year after year. If youre ready to be more spontaneous with your travels, you can always shop last minute rental deals and uncover even more savings.