We are considering purchasing a 2bdrm at Westgate Vacation Villas in Orlando. Does anyone know how this resort ranks with RCI? (Gold Crown, etc?) Is there any disadvantage to buying a resale versus retail? Ex: Will we still have access to all amenities?
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considering purchasing Westgate
- Thread starter scubamama
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chriskre
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Enchanted Isle resort.
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Is there any particular reason you want this resort?
Westgate isn't known for being kind to their owners.
I think there are better options in Orlando.
Westgate isn't known for being kind to their owners.
I think there are better options in Orlando.
I own a Westgate timeshare
I own a 2bedroon lock-off at Westgate Town Center timeshare in Orlando , FL . It is next door to the Westgate Vacation Villas . I don't think you lose anything by purchasing a resale . Last year I traded my 2 bedroom for a 1 bed in Royal Caribbean , Cancun and a 3 bedroom in Branson with Interval international . They told me Orlando my floating week is considered "red" and the resort is rated " premier " (Highest of their 3 levels)
I also traded my 2bed , 1 week for 2 weeks in a 2 bedroom at the La Paloma in Rosarito Beach . My maintenance fees were $820 .
I own a 2bedroon lock-off at Westgate Town Center timeshare in Orlando , FL . It is next door to the Westgate Vacation Villas . I don't think you lose anything by purchasing a resale . Last year I traded my 2 bedroom for a 1 bed in Royal Caribbean , Cancun and a 3 bedroom in Branson with Interval international . They told me Orlando my floating week is considered "red" and the resort is rated " premier " (Highest of their 3 levels)
I also traded my 2bed , 1 week for 2 weeks in a 2 bedroom at the La Paloma in Rosarito Beach . My maintenance fees were $820 .
Compared to what?
There is no advantage to purchasing this directly from the developer.
And I am concerned about the future financial security of Westgate. Earlier this year, the owner of Westgate filed for bankruptcy.
One of the best ways to look for resorts is to join TUG and use the resort database. Then you are not just looking at the resort you are considering, you can compare it to other resorts in the same area. In looking at the TUG reviews limited for resorts in Orlando, this resort scores fairly well - it is #39 - and gets high marks for location. Wouldn't you like to know what else you could get for the same or less $$$?
For instance, here is a sale for the #10 ranked resort.
And there are LOTS of resorts listed for sale in the TUG marketplace.
And maybe you would rather buy at a resort that is an area that is not as developed as Orlando?
There is no advantage to purchasing this directly from the developer.
And I am concerned about the future financial security of Westgate. Earlier this year, the owner of Westgate filed for bankruptcy.
One of the best ways to look for resorts is to join TUG and use the resort database. Then you are not just looking at the resort you are considering, you can compare it to other resorts in the same area. In looking at the TUG reviews limited for resorts in Orlando, this resort scores fairly well - it is #39 - and gets high marks for location. Wouldn't you like to know what else you could get for the same or less $$$?
For instance, here is a sale for the #10 ranked resort.
And there are LOTS of resorts listed for sale in the TUG marketplace.
And maybe you would rather buy at a resort that is an area that is not as developed as Orlando?
And if it is this particular resort that you are wanting, I found two for sale in the Bargains section of the marketplace that are selling for $.01 and transfer fees.
sstug
TUG Member
I also own at Westgate Town Center and they trade with II not RCI (I never heard they were dually affiliated with both). If you do buy, just be sure to avoid the sales people there when you use it.
Why not buy a different brand like Starwood or Marriott. Several platinum Marriott weeks (i.e. Willowridge and Manor Club and even some of the desert Marriotts) can be had for 1k or less, now. Then, you would get Marriott preference in II or Starwood preference if you buy one of those. I would diversify if I were you and no matter how well Westgate trades in II, it can't overcome either Marriott or Starwood preference periods and that is how you get great weeks.
Sorry - Westgate (WASTEGATE) is NOT recommended. Period.
Although most - not all - Wastegates (as I call them after a terrible 15+ year ownership that started with great promise) were ranked Gold Crown with RCI when new (then steadily downgraded as they should have been as maintenance & upgrades were practically non-existent as ALL efforts where put toward building NEW and "upgrading" owners. The older, original units were apparently used to finance the new and never got proper attention the owners were paying for. I even started attending Annual meetings where they admitted that the new buildings were using the money from the old Associations - against FL law - but they saw NO problem with it!. Now all construction - including the long promised, partially started but never completed water parks lie in a dirty pile of muck.) while II inexplicably continued to give it a top rating it clearly does not deserve. Apparently that was done to lure them away from RCI.
At best they are faux Italian monstrosities when new - and don't wear well as they age. There are FAR better resorts now, with owner (vs developer) controlled HOA's (VERY important when you consider buying anywhere) and available at resale for very reasonable prices especially vs any Developer retail purchase.
IF you insist on Wastegate - why I would never know if you actually saw other good Orlando resorts - NEVER EVER buy directly from them. You will pay tens of thousands for a property you can easily get for a few hundred or less (as in FREE!). Really. The same exact use rights & ownership for pennies on the retail dollar.
I would advise you to look elsewhere & learn about timeshare resales for best value.
Although most - not all - Wastegates (as I call them after a terrible 15+ year ownership that started with great promise) were ranked Gold Crown with RCI when new (then steadily downgraded as they should have been as maintenance & upgrades were practically non-existent as ALL efforts where put toward building NEW and "upgrading" owners. The older, original units were apparently used to finance the new and never got proper attention the owners were paying for. I even started attending Annual meetings where they admitted that the new buildings were using the money from the old Associations - against FL law - but they saw NO problem with it!. Now all construction - including the long promised, partially started but never completed water parks lie in a dirty pile of muck.) while II inexplicably continued to give it a top rating it clearly does not deserve. Apparently that was done to lure them away from RCI.
At best they are faux Italian monstrosities when new - and don't wear well as they age. There are FAR better resorts now, with owner (vs developer) controlled HOA's (VERY important when you consider buying anywhere) and available at resale for very reasonable prices especially vs any Developer retail purchase.
IF you insist on Wastegate - why I would never know if you actually saw other good Orlando resorts - NEVER EVER buy directly from them. You will pay tens of thousands for a property you can easily get for a few hundred or less (as in FREE!). Really. The same exact use rights & ownership for pennies on the retail dollar.
I would advise you to look elsewhere & learn about timeshare resales for best value.
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frenchieinme
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To answer what you asked, Westgate Villas is dual affiliated and exchanges thru both II and RCI. There is no loss of developer amenities if you buy resale.
There are some people who are vehemently opposed to Westgate resorts and others have had nothing but positive experiences with them. That is true of many experiences in life. If you go to Tripadvisor you will 500+ reviews claiming Wetsgate to be excellent with a corresponding 500+ rating them the pits.
Based on the blue states/red states viewpoints existing today, this should not be much of a surprise.
In summary, owning at Westgate is basically what you make of it and what your outlook is. If the price is right and you want it, I would buy it knowing what I know of Westgate Resorts whereas I am an owner there and have been for over 10 years with nearly 100% satusfaction.
frenchieinme
There are some people who are vehemently opposed to Westgate resorts and others have had nothing but positive experiences with them. That is true of many experiences in life. If you go to Tripadvisor you will 500+ reviews claiming Wetsgate to be excellent with a corresponding 500+ rating them the pits.
Based on the blue states/red states viewpoints existing today, this should not be much of a surprise.
In summary, owning at Westgate is basically what you make of it and what your outlook is. If the price is right and you want it, I would buy it knowing what I know of Westgate Resorts whereas I am an owner there and have been for over 10 years with nearly 100% satusfaction.
frenchieinme
My experience with Westgate Orlando
My Westgate Town Center compares well with the other timeshares I have visited , including two Marriott's I have visited in Florida .
I was starting to complain about the $820 maintenance fees/property tax they charge me , but later I discovered that most of the timeshares that are for sale charge even more .
The last five years, I have traded twice and visited the home resort 3 times . Two times during spring break and once during the summer . I usually call a few months before and I never a problem .
The maintenance crew , security staff , receptionists all have been helpful and friendly .
The problem with Marriott , Disney and some of the other timeshares is they charge hefty maintenance fees and may not get you a better trade because II or RCI groups them all as "premier or Gold Crown " .
The similar problem goes for Hawaii . The resorts have high maintenance fees , but don't necessarily trade better because the Islands are only accessible via expensive airfare . Westgate and Orlando seem to be a happy medium because Orlando is the #1 timeshare destination and Westgate offers a good value .
My Westgate Town Center compares well with the other timeshares I have visited , including two Marriott's I have visited in Florida .
I was starting to complain about the $820 maintenance fees/property tax they charge me , but later I discovered that most of the timeshares that are for sale charge even more .
The last five years, I have traded twice and visited the home resort 3 times . Two times during spring break and once during the summer . I usually call a few months before and I never a problem .
The maintenance crew , security staff , receptionists all have been helpful and friendly .
The problem with Marriott , Disney and some of the other timeshares is they charge hefty maintenance fees and may not get you a better trade because II or RCI groups them all as "premier or Gold Crown " .
The similar problem goes for Hawaii . The resorts have high maintenance fees , but don't necessarily trade better because the Islands are only accessible via expensive airfare . Westgate and Orlando seem to be a happy medium because Orlando is the #1 timeshare destination and Westgate offers a good value .
Wastegates unfortunately do not come close to the brand names - or even the independents thta often offer far better for less - but they are "nice enough" to use on the cheap. There is zero reason to buy there - you can easily rent or trade in - and both will be cheaper than owning with these sales focused and owner negative people. Timesharing is about getting good to great vacations for less money than cramped hotels. Some places make sense to own & use - Wastegate, due to the overall negative owner experience, is NOT one of them.
stanleyu
TUG Member
One additional feedback for ANYONE considering Westgate. We traded into there last March and ended up in the Towers. It was OK -- not the worst we've ever been in , but certainly not the best either. While there we took the tour of the new villas. We were very impressed with these units; very nice, 2BR, very nicely appointed, all the trimmings. but they wanted $43,000 for one week. I was almost speechless when I heard the price. I thought this has to be a joke!
So when I got back to our unit I got on the newt and did a search for resales on Ebay. I found several, all paid free and clear, all 2BR, around 3 or 4 years old. The first one wanted $5000. The second $600. The third said I could have the unit free - just take over annual maintenance costs.
So you see why people here are so adamant about buying resales?
So when I got back to our unit I got on the newt and did a search for resales on Ebay. I found several, all paid free and clear, all 2BR, around 3 or 4 years old. The first one wanted $5000. The second $600. The third said I could have the unit free - just take over annual maintenance costs.
So you see why people here are so adamant about buying resales?
arstart
TUG Member
Don'e just walk away --- RUN!
Before taking this leap with Westgate, you would be forever grateful you took the time to do some online research on Westgate scams, unhappy owners, etc. I understand there are some current class actions suits and at least one upcoming.
Before taking this leap with Westgate, you would be forever grateful you took the time to do some online research on Westgate scams, unhappy owners, etc. I understand there are some current class actions suits and at least one upcoming.
Timeshare scams
The " Westgate Scams " are scammers who send emails and phone calls who claim they are from Westgate . Sorta like Paypal or Ebay scams .
The " Westgate Scams " are scammers who send emails and phone calls who claim they are from Westgate . Sorta like Paypal or Ebay scams .
Wastegate - no better than the crooks
You could make a very strong case that anything Wastegate and it's corrupt owner / managment (previous convictions and pending lawsuits) are themselves a scam operation of sorts. They are among the worst out there and could easily be confused with the others that may have less physical presence but use the same tactics of lies, distortions and misrepresentation used by the phone / email hucksters.
The best way? Avoid any type of long term relationship, such as ownership, with any Wastegate built, operated or sold resorts. Never deal with their sales and NEVER EVER buy retail from them. If you want a middle of the road, pedestrian resort experience & get get it cheap on rental or trade then maybe a Wastegate will satisfy the need to see how bad a resort management can be. But still avoid any contact with the sales weasels or you will regret it.
You could make a very strong case that anything Wastegate and it's corrupt owner / managment (previous convictions and pending lawsuits) are themselves a scam operation of sorts. They are among the worst out there and could easily be confused with the others that may have less physical presence but use the same tactics of lies, distortions and misrepresentation used by the phone / email hucksters.
The best way? Avoid any type of long term relationship, such as ownership, with any Wastegate built, operated or sold resorts. Never deal with their sales and NEVER EVER buy retail from them. If you want a middle of the road, pedestrian resort experience & get get it cheap on rental or trade then maybe a Wastegate will satisfy the need to see how bad a resort management can be. But still avoid any contact with the sales weasels or you will regret it.
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From a purely ranking standpoint, Westgate Vacation Villas ranks #39 (out of 92 that have received reviews) in TUG's list of Orlando timeshares. I would consider that pretty average. I don't like average.
Orlando isn't necessarily the best place to buy, unless you get a prime fixed week. Maintenance fees in Orlando are high and there is a lot of supply. (There's a lot of demand, too.) There are other areas that give a lot better trading value.
If you insist on buying in Orlando, though, look at the higher rated resorts.
Orlando isn't necessarily the best place to buy, unless you get a prime fixed week. Maintenance fees in Orlando are high and there is a lot of supply. (There's a lot of demand, too.) There are other areas that give a lot better trading value.
If you insist on buying in Orlando, though, look at the higher rated resorts.
Take a look at the way people really feel about Wastegate
Here, courtesy of my buddy Jim, is a great link to the REAL Wastegate. Anyone even remotely considering any type of relationship should take the time to review these up to the current month complaints like no other group gets. Bad times haven't changed them - if anything they've become worse. Stay away.
Here, courtesy of my buddy Jim, is a great link to the REAL Wastegate. Anyone even remotely considering any type of relationship should take the time to review these up to the current month complaints like no other group gets. Bad times haven't changed them - if anything they've become worse. Stay away.
westgate towncenter owner
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