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WESTGATE RESORT RIPPED OFF WASTE OF TIME Orlando Florida
I have also been duped in purchasing a timeshare from WestGate Resort in Orlando Florida. At first, it seemed like a good deal. What we thought we bought was a 3BR villa , 1 week every year. We bought the timeshare last Oct 2007 and have come back to Orlando in August 2008 since becoming owners.
In retrospect, our first initial experience with Westgate is indicative of what we have just recently experienced as current owners. Our first visit lasted more than the 90 mins which they claimed it would last. We ultimately spent 5 hours trying to iron out the deal with the salesperson. Actually, by the 2nd hour, I was frustrated and just wanted to leave especially since we had our kids with us. We were told that what we bought would be new as they have been building new villas. Fast forward to the present, we arrived at the resort and spent 25 minutes waiting to be registered. We were directed to the welcome center to get our welcome package. We were delighted to hear this but unfortunately there is a catch. Another presentation to endure with Westgate. I completely dismissed the presentation but the rep from the welcome center stated that it is for owners only and there would be no selling involve and in addition, we would get discounted tickets or cash. This experience after registering lasted for 1 hour. It was incredible how they tire you out even after refusing. It does seem that they have everything covered in case you say no. It's very rehearsed.
We did go to the complimentary breakfast and presentation which we expected to be updated on being owners. It turned out that it was another sales pitch to updgrade our week to having it every year. Now, we already thought we had every year but apparently, this was not the case. We only have every other year ownership. We were livid and demanded that we speak to a manager. That manager came and offered us an option which would still cause money out of our pocket i.e increase in mortgage and required deposit. Now who in the world expected this especially given the fact that we are on vacation. We did not accept the deal and wanted a higher up person to speak to. Another salesperson came who introduced himself as a director of sales. We were not appeased. The person who we asked for was the customer relations manager and he was not informed of our situation. I just finally said that I would write to corporate. I doubt it will do anything but I am just so upset at this place.This resort gives you misleading information and/or partial information. PLEASE DO NOT BUY AT THIS RESORT! This additional 90min presentation on westgate ownership update lasted 2.5 hours!
By the way, we did not get a remodeled villa as promised. The big screen TV blew the first day we were there. The oven was not working either. Both things did get repaired but it took 4-5 hours for someone to repair it. It was just a bad vacation coupled with the bad weather.
JC
Williamstown, New Jersey
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Nikki
Coconut Creek,Florida,
U.S.A.
I hope this gives you a better explanation.
#2UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, August 21, 2008
You said you purchased a 3 bedroom and thought it was for every year. Many people get confused with this when they are told they can vacation every year.
You probably purchased a 3 bedroom lockoff, every other year. What this means is you can either vacation in your 3 bedroom unit every other year, or you can "lock it off". You can choose to vacation in the 2 bedroom side one year and the 1 bedroom side the next year. This equals to a vacation every year. Because of this, many people think they purchased an every year unit, but that may not be the case.
Yes, the presentation is supposed to last 90 minutes, but it really lasts around 2 hours. If you piss off your salesperson and he/she has nothing better to do, the salesperson may drag it out. If you seem to be really interested, the salesperson may speed you through, hoping to get the sale. If you purchase, then you have to add in the time it takes for deeding.
It is unfortunate that you had problems with your unit, but that doesn't happen all the time.
If you can afford the timeshare, it really is better than staying in a hotel. Learn how it works and give it a chance. It's too late to change your mind anyway. At least you didn't purchase in a bad resort that's ready to go "belly up".
I reiterate, learn how it works so you can get the most out of it.