If you live or travel in Florida, you have almost certainly heard of Westgate Resorts. This is a prominent business in the state and has grown from a small operation in the 80s to a prominent player in the state’s huge hospitality industry.
Given the profile of Westgate Resorts, it wouldn’t be surprising if you came across an offer from this company to attend a sales presentation in exchange for some kind of bonus or special offer. Or, perhaps you have already attended one of these presentations, and you are trying to decide if you’d like to become an owner. Making that decision can be easier when you look at some of the comments that have been left by current and past owners with opinions on exactly what the experience is like.
If you already own a timeshare, whether it is with Westgate Resorts or another group, you might be thinking of trying to exit that timeshare and move on. Should you want to do so, start by reviewing our best timeshare exit companies page to see what your options are to get help.
Westgate Timeshare Pros and Cons
Do you have a process that you go through when making important financial decisions in your life? If you are like most people, you probably start by looking at some pros and cons that relate to the upcoming choice. Pros would include whatever type of value it is that the purchase is going to bring to you and your family, while cons would include not only the price, but any shortcomings that are known to exist with that product or service.
This is a good framework through which to look at the possibility of buying a Westgate timeshare. Below, we’ve quickly touched on some points that have been seen as pros and cons by past and current owners with Westgate. Of course, you’ll also want to do your own further research to evaluate how these points play into your decision, so you can be confident in the choice you make.
Pros
Westgate Resorts has grown from its early days to offer a wide-ranging portfolio of destinations. While there are certainly some popular spots in Florida to book, you won’t be limited to just that one state – there are other options in various locations that you might want to visit. If it is one of your goals to get out and experience different places with family and friends, being an owner with Westgate might help you accomplish that mission.
Cons
As is so often the case with timeshares, however, some drawbacks quickly appear that will leave you wondering if becoming an owner is the right option for you. Some of those potential issues include the following.
Potentially Disappointing Accommodations
What you are presented when considering a Westgate Resorts timeshare purchase is certainly going to look good, but past reviews make it seem as those some of the properties are not quite as luxurious as what is represented. If your room is outdated and not up to your standards, the purchase you made might not feel worth it in the end.
Cancellation Challenges
This one is common across the industry – it’s simply very difficult to get out of a timeshare. You’ll need to be sure you want to commit to ownership when you sign the papers initially, as getting out of it later can be an ordeal.
Limited Availability
Any timeshare you own is only as useful as the availability that is offered for you to take trips. Some owners report that the competition for booking rooms is stiff and it can be hard to find an attractive time to take your vacation to some of the best properties in the portfolio.
Westgate Timeshare Complaints
The Better Business Bureau’s website is an easy place to stop by and check out complaints that have been lodged against any business. Most, or nearly all, businesses that are found on the BBB website will have at least a few complaints, but Westgate and other timeshare companies seem to rack up more than their fair share.
Reviewing these complaints is a convenient way to see what owners are saying about their experiences with Westgate and what problems they have had in their ownership experience. Below, you’ll find a couple of screenshots from the BBB that highlight some complaints registered by owners. To read more of these for yourself and see what common themes come up in the complaints, you can visit the BBB site directly.
Is Westgate Timeshare a Good Investment?
As you weigh the decision of whether or not to buy a timeshare, you might look at the investment potential of such a purchase as a way to help you make the choice. If you are able to get some enjoyment out of the travel opportunities that the timeshare provides, and then you can sell it for a profit at some point in the future, that would be a pretty good deal all the way around.
That’s not the experience you are likely to have, unfortunately. Across the board, timeshares tend to perform terribly as an investment, as they don’t usually grow in value and they are hard to sell when you want to get rid of them. In fact, the entire timeshare exit industry has popped up around the fact that so many people want to unload timeshares and are having trouble doing so. If a timeshare was a good investment, this industry would not exist – people would simply sell their timeshares to willing buyers for a good price when they were ready to be done.
Along with a weak aftermarket for timeshares, there is also the issue of the ambiguous upfront purchase price that comes along with a timeshare. You don’t really know what the market value of the timeshare is when you buy it, and in all likelihood, the true market value is way below what you paid – and it might even be close to zero. So, you’ll be starting from a bad position when you first make the purchase, and that is only likely to get worse over time as more and more timeshares flood the market and become readily available for anyone willing to take on the maintenance fees.
Is Westgate Timeshare Worth It?
With less-than-great news about timeshares in our investment section above, it’s a logical time to talk about the overall picture of buying a timeshare and whether or not it is worth it in the end. Ultimately, that’s a decision only each individual can make, as what is worth it to you might not really be worth it to someone else.
With that said, it’s important to look at all factors in this matter before you decide one way or another. First, there is the matter of how much the timeshare will cost to purchase – which is often going to vary from one buyer to the next. Additionally, there are the ongoing maintenance fees, and the matter of how you will use the timeshare once you own it. If you are able to take regular trips to great places, you might be more willing to spend quite a bit and still see it as a win.
For most people, buying a Westgate timeshare or any other kind of timeshare just isn’t going to add up in their favor. With so many other vacationing options available, such as rental houses, it’s easier than ever before to travel one trip at a time without being locked into a contract. Taking that approach to travel avoids the commitment that you might later come to regret, and it makes it easier to customize each trip you take to suit your needs just right.
Westgate Timeshare Lawsuits
No one wants to be involved in a lawsuit. Even if you aren’t the party being sued, the fact that you had to take legal action indicates that something has gone wrong. Unfortunately, timeshare owners often find themselves in the position of feeling like they need to take action against the timeshare company to get out of a contract or to get compensation for a wrong they feel has been committed. Westgate has dealt with legal action like any other company in this industry.
The random lawsuit or two might be seen as nothing more than part of doing business in any market, but the pattern of legal action that is taken by timeshare owners speaks to something a little more serious. Why do owners of timeshares seem to so often need to resort to filing legal claims? That’s not a great sign in terms of their satisfaction with being an owner, and it should be a major red flag for anyone who might be considering purchasing a timeshare of their own.
Put an End to Maintenance Fees
If you don’t often use the timeshare that you currently own, or if you are simply tired of paying maintenance fees and want to move on, call us at 833-416-8796 right away. With plenty of experience helping people in your position, we can present some options and guide you toward the path that may finally be able to set you free. In addition to our phone number, also feel free to use the form here on our site, or the live chat feature. We are excited to hear from you today!