Westgate Value and All weeks

[timeos2]

Just another "up yours" from Wastegate - Home of the Royal Shaft

Westgate said all weeks exchange the same Not true: For my week 43 I have received Marriott Grande Ocean at Hilton Head, Royal Mayan, etc. The week that came up on my II account was in September. No good exchanges come up. Dont know if its the time Im searching for (doubt it) if its the difference of weeks deposited, or if II is just having a lovers quarrell with Westgate.

This was not due to your "mistake". it is the new policy for Wastegate NOT to deposit your DEEDED week/unit (what other week should you get? You OWN it!) but some "equivalent" deposit, which as you found ISN'T as good as what you own, which they pick out of the air.

For anyone that thinks Wastegate isn't a crooked, deceptive, manipulating and owner unfriendly organization please explain this move. Of course II is just as guilty as they shouldn't take anything except the deeded week - thats what you agree to in your II contract (I will deposit week(s) I OWN). But II isn't about to do anything to stand up for members and of course Wastegate will use that to steamroll any rights you may have as an mere owner. Who are you to think you get what you own/pay for? The KING knows better.

Yup. Wastegate is needlessly and unfairly picked on, aren't they? They really are such nice folk. If you like predators. Nasty ones. Better sleep with one eye open.

 

[BKViking]

This was not due to your "mistake". it is the new policy for Wastegate NOT to deposit your DEEDED week/unit (what other week should you get? You OWN it!) but some "equivalent" deposit, which as you found ISN'T as good as what you own, which they pick out of the air.

For anyone that thinks Wastegate isn't a crooked, deceptive, manipulating and owner unfriendly organization please explain this move. Of course II is just as guilty as they shouldn't take anything except the deeded week - thats what you agree to in your II contract (I will deposit week(s) I OWN). But II isn't about to do anything to stand up for members and of course Wastegate will use that to steamroll any rights you may have as an mere owner. Who are you to think you get what you own/pay for? The KING knows better.

Yup. Wastegate is needlessly and unfairly picked on, aren't they? They really are such nice folk. If you like predators. Nasty ones. Better sleep with one eye open.

I'm with you 100% on this one. I deposited my week 16 online with Westgate, and it showed up as week 43 on II. On the one hand it does give me 6 more months to use the week, but on the other hand, I'm not sure it has equivalent trading power, and the nice lady I spoke to at II wouldn't give me a straight answer.

 

[JLB]

I believe the straight answer is that there is nothing particularly special about either Week 16 or 43. IMHO, they are both sandwiched between what would be considered good-trading weeks.

We started with a CFI Week 23 in Orlando, promised to get us anywhere, any time, and it sucked. RCI finally told us it was one week too early (for summer), despite being red.

I deposited my week 16 online with Westgate, and it showed up as week 43 on II. On the one hand it does give me 6 more months to use the week, but on the other hand, I'm not sure it has equivalent trading power, and the nice lady I spoke to at II wouldn't give me a straight answer.

 

[BKViking]

And another thing - you have to confirm you are using YOUR week at Westgate, or you risk having them book it to someone else. That's nonsense, IMHO. If you own the week, and you've paid your fees and taxes for the year, you shouldn't have to notify them that you're using YOUR week. It's YOURS. If you want to waste it, it should be your option to do so. On the other hand if you want to bank it with them or II, having a time to do so makes sense, so that they can market your week to others, but there should be no confirmation requirement (don't know that this has ever come up for anyone, but when reading it on the Westgate site, it kind of ticked me off ...)

 

[BKViking]

I believe the straight answer is that there is nothing particularly special about either Week 16 or 43. IMHO, they are both sandwiched between what would be considered good-trading weeks.

We started with a CFI Week 23 in Orlando, promised to get us anywhere, any time, and it sucked. RCI finally told us it was one week too early (for summer), despite being red.

Week 16 is a funny week, actually. This year, it starts with Passover, some weeks it even falls during Easter. Lots of high schools still have spring break that week, but colleges are pretty much all long done with their spring breaks, so theme parks end up being not nearly as crowded, and it can be nice for families. For that reason, we actually like the week. I think in the future, though, if we're not going to use it, we'll try to rent it out (which we've never done) instead of banking, and then use the rental towards a getaway or something. Probably will end up costing me about the same.

 

[AwayWeGo]

Truer Words Were Never Spoken.

And another thing - you have to confirm you are using YOUR week at Westgate, or you risk having them book it to someone else. That's nonsense, IMHO. If you own the week, and you've paid your fees and taxes for the year, you shouldn't have to notify them that you're using YOUR week. It's YOURS. If you want to waste it, it should be your option to do so.

Shux, the main advantage of a fixed-week timeshare (i.e., non-points & non-floating) is the ability just to show up unannounced on check-in day and actually, um . . . er -- you know, ah . . . check in .

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[BKViking]

Shux, the main advantage of a fixed-week timeshare (i.e., non-points & non-floating) is the ability just to show up unannounced on check-in day and actually, um . . . er -- you know, ah . . . check in .

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

Exactly! So saying you have to "confirm" is darn right silly.

 

[talkamotta]

Update on my exchange

I called Westgate, last night and they said the department that could fix that was only open from 9-4 est. So I called today.. Westgate said that they had no control over the value that II puts on my week. I said that was fine I wanted the value that was given to my exact fixed week. Week 43 not the first week in September. She went on to say that they are all the same. I told her that was not true. I said for example I put in 4 months for Vegas and not one thing was available. Previously I had received good trades for my week 43 and now the trading value not only was poor but non existent. She said I would have to get with II that she had no control. Again I told her that I had already talked with II and it is Westgate that confirms the week and gives the week.

I had her conference II on the phone with them so we could get to the bottom and prevent any more run around for me. II said with Westgate on the phone. Westgate banks multiweeks and its thier policy not to give the week that I deposited. II went on to confirm that my week 43 did in fact have more trading value than the September week. Mud on Westgate's face. She said that she couldnt do anything else now that it has been confirmed. Again I told her that Westgate's policy change should not change the value of my week. Thats what I bought and thats what I want.

I asked for a manager, was put on hold for over 40 minutes with her checking back with me 2x. Probably to see if I was still there. The end result is that my cellphone battery died. After 2 hours and 40 minutes of being on the phone. I guess next time I will need to be on a land line. I need to write some letters. Does anyone know of people I can write to?

 

[AwayWeGo]

Helen Waite ?

I asked for a manager, was put on hold for over 40 minutes with her checking back with me 2x.

Wasn't that WestGate manager formerly the closing agent over at ShowCase Resorts ?

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[timeos2]

Owning isn't owning in Wastegate speak

I called Westgate, last night and they said the department that could fix that was only open from 9-4 est. So I called today.. Westgate said that they had no control over the value that II puts on my week. I said that was fine I wanted the value that was given to my exact fixed week. Week 43 not the first week in September. She went on to say that they are all the same. I told her that was not true. I said for example I put in 4 months for Vegas and not one thing was available. Previously I had received good trades for my week 43 and now the trading value not only was poor but non existent. She said I would have to get with II that she had no control. Again I told her that I had already talked with II and it is Westgate that confirms the week and gives the week.

I had her conference II on the phone with them so we could get to the bottom and prevent any more run around for me. II said with Westgate on the phone. Westgate banks multiweeks and its thier policy not to give the week that I deposited. II went on to confirm that my week 43 did in fact have more trading value than the September week. Mud on Westgate's face. She said that she couldnt do anything else now that it has been confirmed. Again I told her that Westgate's policy change should not change the value of my week. Thats what I bought and thats what I want.

I asked for a manager, was put on hold for over 40 minutes with her checking back with me 2x. Probably to see if I was still there. The end result is that my cellphone battery died. After 2 hours and 40 minutes of being on the phone. I guess next time I will need to be on a land line. I need to write some letters. Does anyone know of people I can write to?

The FL State DBMR who regulates timeshares and, of course, the King (who needs a good laugh every once and awhile. Picture the scene: "Look Sire - An owner wishing to get what they paid for!" "Balderdash Rippemoff - They'll eat cake if I serve it at a sales breakfast and step in horse manure if I lay it on their stoop on arrival. Raise the rates another $100 this year - that will show them who's Boss. And bring me more Wenches - I need photos! Is Cher still alive?")

This is a policy ripe for challenge and I hope you'll fight the battle. I just use RCI or SFX who only takes the week I own - Wastegate has no say. But then RCI has had backbone in the past with the big guys like DVC while II is ready, willing and able to grovel before the King or any other developer they covet.

 

[BKViking]

I asked for a manager, was put on hold for over 40 minutes with her checking back with me 2x. Probably to see if I was still there. The end result is that my cellphone battery died. After 2 hours and 40 minutes of being on the phone. I guess next time I will need to be on a land line. I need to write some letters. Does anyone know of people I can write to?

If you have the time to do it, call again and argue with a manager, you'll get some sort of concession, if not having them deposit your actual week.

Last year, they deposited my week, but it was within the 60 days, so went in as a Flexchange, and they didn't deposit my villa, but something in Westgate Towers of an equivalent size. Then, I thought it was some kind of mistake, and since it was the same size, didn't even think about it. This year, when I saw a week 43 deposited, I knew something was up. Not sure about the difference in trading power, but since it does give me an extra 6 months to use it (of course, I'll have to continue paying II's fees ....) I probably won't argue.


Also, last year when I tried to do an internal change and was told for the first time about the increased $500 because I was trading into a high season week (which again, is nonsense based on what I purchased) I argued with the rep, and then told her I wanted a manager. She put me on hold for a long time, and told me the manager would tell me the same thing ... came back a few times to check if I was still there. It was at least 20 minutes ... probably not quite an hour. Anyway, she finally came back and said the manager was busy, but they would waive the $500 transfer fee for me! (I did have to pay the $139, but I expected that ... and was ok with that .. even it should be less .... don't see how it costs that much when I was taking an earlier week that they might have problems filling, and was freeing up my later week for them to rent/exchange to someone else, but still, that policy was well spelled out, so generally I'm ok with it.)

So, it's nonsense I had to spend that much time on the phone (hey I have other things to do with my life), but I did get results. So, if you have the time, I recommend calling again.

The trouble is, I really do like our resort, and have basically always had a good time, but the sales and reservations people just make me have trouble with the company.

 

[JLB]

That is SOP phone procedure at Creepy Groper Vacation Village.

If you don't have a specific person at a specific extension, you will likely never get anyone who can hlep you, with anything.

But, phone procedure is just on par with other things.

 

[frenchieinme]

More reports of happy owners from WGL...

So, it's nonsense I had to spend that much time on the phone (hey I have other things to do with my life), but I did get results. So, if you have the time, I recommend calling again.

The trouble is, I really do like our resort, and have basically always had a good time, but the sales and reservations people just make me have trouble with the company.

Now we a zeroing in on specifics. What one needs to do is assess if the negatives encountered overweigh the positives and this is a personal choice. Based on the above quote it was not while for others it is.

It has been cold evenings this past 2 night so yesterday I went to check the heated pools and the cold evenings was too much for them to maintain their usual heat. They were not as warm as usual but slowly getting there. So this morning I went out to check a couple of pools to see which was warmer so as we could go there.

I encountered a couple of owners and an exchanger. In talking with them I asked them specifically about Westgate's about exchanging and the westgate support staff. These 3 had not encountered any negatives except an occasional maintenance report which we all know is a reuse to sell more. I asked if they went and 2 said no and 1 said yes. As for me I am here for 2 weeks and scheduled mine for this past Thursday which is my 2nd week here and I was mysteriously sick (yeah, if you believe that uh :hysterical: ) and could not make my appointment (darn )!!!

I further asked these 3 their overall experience basing all their experiences with WGL to date on a 0 (bad) to 10 (excellent). Of the three, I got two 9s and 1 was 9.5. When asked what WGL could do to make things better, all three said get rid of the sales staff.

frenchieinme

 

[JLB]

Seems like the alleged groping and the alleged flashing by Mr. S took place at the alleged spa allegedly at WL

Ah, the memories that must evoke.

 

[frenchieinme]

True but...

Seems like the alleged groping and the alleged flashing by Mr. S took place at the alleged spa allegedly at WL

Ah, the memories that must evoke.

Probably did and from what I have heard it cost him $5.2 million, correct? What does that have to do with myself and others enjoying themselves at WGL? By the way, met 5 more owners at the pool today who feel WGL is top notch in all respects. They also have been owners since pre-construction and 1 only for the past 2 years.

Moreover, based on the above comment of yours, are we to hold Paris Hilton's lifestyle against the Hilton timeshare owners also? Of course not and neither should Mr. S's shameful, inexcusable conduct be held against his timeshare owners. I doubt very highly he can pass it off as a tax deduction. He has made millions and now he is $5.2 million poorer. It was a foolish, shameful thing he did I will grant you. It has not affected our enjoying WGL to the fullest.

On a final cute note which may or may not interest you. But as a grand-parent it may. My grandson returned to school and was told he had a tan. He said he had gone to visit his pepere (french for grandpa) in FL. He told them he went to Disney, Universal & Sea World as well as Fun Spot. When asked by the teacher what he liked best in his Orlando visit to his grandparents, he answered sitting by the pool with my pepere enjoying blue slushies and playing miniature golf at the resort with pepere and memere. I thought that was cute and revealing from the mouth of an 8 year old. Just thought I would share that with you.

frenchieinme

 

[JLB]

$5.4.

Everything.

We all make moral decisions when to spend our money, deciding who we give it to. It bothers some. It doesn't bother others.

As far as a word like pepere, when considering Mr. S, the temptation to comment on that is so obvious that I don't even have to. Folks already have gone there, without my comment.

Probably did and from what I have heard it cost him $5.2 million, correct? What does that have to do with myself and others enjoying themselves at WGL?

 

[talkamotta]

Probably did and from what I have heard it cost him $5.2 million, correct? What does that have to do with myself and others enjoying themselves at WGL? By the way, met 5 more owners at the pool today who feel WGL is top notch in all respects. They also have been owners since pre-construction and 1 only for the past 2 years.

Moreover, based on the above comment of yours, are we to hold Paris Hilton's lifestyle against the Hilton timeshare owners also? Of course not and neither should Mr. S's shameful, inexcusable conduct be held against his timeshare owners. I doubt very highly he can pass it off as a tax deduction. He has made millions and now he is $5.2 million poorer. It was a foolish, shameful thing he did I will grant you. It has not affected our enjoying WGL to the fullest.

On a final cute note which may or may not interest you. But as a grand-parent it may. My grandson returned to school and was told he had a tan. He said he had gone to visit his pepere (french for grandpa) in FL. He told them he went to Disney, Universal & Sea World as well as Fun Spot. When asked by the teacher what he liked best in his Orlando visit to his grandparents, he answered sitting by the pool with my pepere enjoying blue slushies and playing miniature golf at the resort with pepere and memere. I thought that was cute and revealing from the mouth of an 8 year old. Just thought I would share that with you.

frenchieinme

Ive been an owner of Westgate Vacation Villas for 12 years now. Did the stupid thing and bought from the developer. Of course before TUG. Over the course of the years, I dont feel bad about buying Westgate. Many good memories. Love the resort and my unit. My kids have enjoyed my unit at my week more than they enjoyed Marriott. My grandkids, too, dont spend all thier time at the parks, we will usually spend at least 4 days doing something for part of the day (like going to the beach or city walk) and the rest of the day at the resort. Parks can get very expensive if you are talking about 10 (and the last time 22 people in 2 units). My boys would rather go to a football game than to Disney. Whatever makes you happy.......

Thier sales staff has had many complaints as being an irritant. Not to me, I can say "no" and they leave me alone. They still arent the worst in sales tactics only one of the worst. The problem Im having is with thier changing of the rules in the middle of the game and my not having or at least having to fight with Westgate for my rights. Im having a problem with a management company under the direction of thier owner and king.

My previous complaint after checking into thier "Owners Guide" states that "Due to the supply of Developer's Exchange being in short demand, beginning in 2006, Westgate will instigate new regulations for Developer Exchanging.....on and on" What it does is reduces my value of my unit when I exchange thru II. Where does Westgate Developer get off changing the rules when I have a fixed week and unit and I am depositing what I bought. This is only one example of why people (previous and current owners) have a problem with Westgate. Its not with your buying a unit and staying and enjoying your vacation. The main complaints is with the higher management and the sales staff.

 

[timeos2]

Out with the King. In with Owner Control.

Where does Westgate Developer get off changing the rules when I have a fixed week and unit and I am depositing what I bought. This is only one example of why people (previous and current owners) have a problem with Westgate. Its not with your buying a unit and staying and enjoying your vacation. The main complaints is with the higher management and the sales staff.

Exactly. If the King would have simply built, sold and moved on (as Florida LAW requires) the actual resorts would be better for it and the complaints would be far less (someone always has a gripe). But no. They have to hang on to total control, the management (which is not uncommon unfortunately but not usually with this level of owner disdain) and then goes a step that few others have even attempted - claim the ability to change the very core of the rights you purchased!

So, until this megalomaniac and his trainees / disciples are somehow removed from any control, the Wastegate banner will fly in full force. Any owner that thinks they won't be affected long term is sadly mistaken. They may not have stepped on your rights yet but, sure as the Salesroom will open bright and early tomorrow, they will. Meanwhile let the enlightened owners ty to prevent others from falling into this trap. And hopefully fix the problem somewhere down the road.

 

[dcire]

Ive been an owner of Westgate Vacation Villas for 12 years now. Did the stupid thing and bought from the developer. Of course before TUG. Over the course of the years, I dont feel bad about buying Westgate. Many good memories. Love the resort and my unit. My kids have enjoyed my unit at my week more than they enjoyed Marriott. My grandkids, too, dont spend all thier time at the parks, we will usually spend at least 4 days doing something for part of the day (like going to the beach or city walk) and the rest of the day at the resort. Parks can get very expensive if you are talking about 10 (and the last time 22 people in 2 units). My boys would rather go to a football game than to Disney. Whatever makes you happy.......

Thier sales staff has had many complaints as being an irritant. Not to me, I can say "no" and they leave me alone. They still arent the worst in sales tactics only one of the worst. The problem Im having is with thier changing of the rules in the middle of the game and my not having or at least having to fight with Westgate for my rights. Im having a problem with a management company under the direction of thier owner and king.

My previous complaint after checking into thier "Owners Guide" states that "Due to the supply of Developer's Exchange being in short demand, beginning in 2006, Westgate will instigate new regulations for Developer Exchanging.....on and on" What it does is reduces my value of my unit when I exchange thru II. Where does Westgate Developer get off changing the rules when I have a fixed week and unit and I am depositing what I bought. This is only one example of why people (previous and current owners) have a problem with Westgate. Its not with your buying a unit and staying and enjoying your vacation. The main complaints is with the higher management and the sales staff.

What are Developer's Exchanges?

 

[JLB]

Why did Mr. S buy a golf course/resort, over in Haines City? (joke)

 

[AwayWeGo]

Like Father Like Son ?

So, until this megalomaniac and his trainees / disciples are somehow removed from any control, the Wastegate banner will fly in full force.

David A. Siegel must be getting on in years. When the day comes that he retires from the business -- or, if he never retires, when the day comes that he assumes room temperature -- will the younger generation follow the same backward & unenlightened biz policy ?

Or do you suppose the next Mr. Siegel who takes over will see the light ?

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

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[timeos2]

Wastegate Rulers - Not a kind thought among them

David A. Siegel must be getting on in years. When the day comes that he retires from the business -- or, if he never retires, when the day comes that he assumes room temperature -- will the younger generation follow the same backward & unenlightened biz policy ?

Or do you suppose the next Mr. Siegel who takes over will see the light ?

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

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I believe there are Princes or at least Court Jesters in waiting. Knowing how second generations tend to be even more spoiled (they didn't even earn it but had it handed to them) if anything it may get worse. The upside is that often the next in line manage to run things into the ground (no real talent and they take big chances) so once the change begins the end may be in sight. Owners can only hope those days come soon.

 

[JLB]

According to the evidence, it is father who wanted to take over where son left off. The sexual advances, groping, exposing, and pinning up against the wall, took place while the victim was dating the next-in-line.

Also, it was while dad was still married, going through the divorce, seeking advice on dating and fashion from the gropee. Then, according to evidence, it continued during the new marriage, and included advances from the new wife.

Video at 6:00.

Or do you suppose the next Mr. Siegel who takes over will see the light ?

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

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[AwayWeGo]

A Lasting Monument -- Virtually Speaking.

TUG-BBS friends & clients & admirers & detractors of The King can custom-design tasteful & appropriate (virtual) monuments to his memory when he passes on, if they are so inclined.

Click here.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[JLB]

Oh, has he? :whoopie:

That will be his next defense, to play the dead card.

Hey, why not, it got whatshisname off the hook down there in Houston. The Enron guy.

BTW. I know his name . . . I just don't wanna say it in the same thread with Mr. S.

TUG-BBS friends & clients & admirers & detractors of The King can custom-design tasteful & appropriate (virtual) monuments to his memory when he passes on, if they are so inclined.

Click here.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​