- Report: #286247
Complaint Review: Westgate Resorts - Gatlinburg Tennessee
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Westgate Resorts
915 Garden Road Gatlinburg, 37738 Tennessee, U.S.A.
Phone:
606-8320369
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Westgate Resorts Gatlinburg Do Not Buy Timeshares from Westgate RUN away from these people in a hurry!! Gatlinburg Tennessee
My wife and I bought a timeshare in Gatlinburg, Tn in 2002 at Westgate Smokey Mountains. We have tried on numerous occasions to get a reservation and are always told there aren't any...today, I called and spoke with Leomaris and asked for a night tomorrow. I realize this is short notice but I thought why not ask anyway, since we were told that we could call and say we were coming in for the weekend when we were discussing this during the EXTREMELY high sales pitch. I said then go ahead and book me for week 50. She said there weren't any availabilities. Wow! I then call Jonathan, who said he had a studio available tomorrow--never was mentioned when I spoke with Leomaris. I told him I would get back--I was very uneasy and not trusting either of these...I have been lied to already and not trusting. I ask who do I call to just get rid of this property and part ways with Westgate. I call the number and get Fritz on the line. I tell him I tried to book twice today--one a short notice and the other neither a month away. He tells me my problem is I am trying to book a month in advance...that I need to book a year in advance. I say ok, book me for next december week 50...he then says oh, that is 12 and half months away and you can't book that far.
This is not the first time I have tried to get a reservation with Westgate. On the other occasions it has been just like today. NOTHING.
I have made payments each month for the last 59 months. I am tired of the hassle and run around that I get for my money. This is a scam and I am sick and tired of it. I am supposed to be an owner, but really? Come on, I am no more an owner today than I was before I bought the lousy timeshare.
What do I own? Every time I have called I am told NO AVAILABILITY. So much for the floating week...this place is a scam.
Scottie
Jenkins, Kentucky
U.S.A.
This is not the first time I have tried to get a reservation with Westgate. On the other occasions it has been just like today. NOTHING.
I have made payments each month for the last 59 months. I am tired of the hassle and run around that I get for my money. This is a scam and I am sick and tired of it. I am supposed to be an owner, but really? Come on, I am no more an owner today than I was before I bought the lousy timeshare.
What do I own? Every time I have called I am told NO AVAILABILITY. So much for the floating week...this place is a scam.
Scottie
Jenkins, Kentucky
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Illinois
Armington,Illinois,
U.S.A.
I also purchased in 2002 - No complaints
#2Consumer Comment
Fri, January 11, 2008
I purchased at Westgate Smoky Mountain in 2002 also. I successfully booked weeks in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007. My family stayed there 3 of those years and exchanged through Interval International the other 2 years. Gatlinburg is one of the most visited destination in the Eastern United States. Since this is a floating week resort, you have to plan well in advance. I typically try to reserve a unit 4 to 6 months in advance. When I call, I have a minimum of 2 dates in mind, just in case my first date is not available. If you plan to vacation between Memorial day and mid August, you will probably have to make your request at the very beginning of the year, as soon as you pay the maintenance fee. They have many room times types. I own a 1 bedroom and have always reserved a 1 bedroom. If a 1 bedroom is not available, you may accept a studio if it is available; however, you cannot be booked into 2 or 3 bedroom unit without paying a significant upgrade fee. I have had several very nice vacations at this resort. I wish you luck and hope this info may help.
Nikki
Coconut Creek,Florida,
U.S.A.
Did you try calling Interval International?
#3Consumer Suggestion
Sat, November 24, 2007
When it's usually within 3 months, Westgate will turn over their remaining weeks to Interval International to sell them as Getaways or to use as last minute trades. It is possible that Westgate does not have any units to offer you at this late of a date, but Interval International may have many. They should have explained that to you rather than telling you no. Maybe they thought you already called I.I. Always try booking through I.I. first. As for one telling you there was nothing available for tomorrow and another person there was something available, that happens with anything. My mom always told me if you don't like the answer you receive on this call, call back and maybe you'll get someone else more accomodating. One thing with timeshare. It is not for those who go on last minute vacations. It is for those who plan ahead, from 3 months up to 1 year (but not more than 1 year). The Getaways are for last minute, but you usually have to call I.I. Also, the Getaways cost extra (but not usually more than hotels), so be prepared. Too bad you didn't book it with Jonathan and try it anyway, rather than being uneasy. You may have found you really do like to vacation in timeshares.
