Westgate Vacation Villas ( #0899 )

[funtime2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close funtime2]

I have this timeshare on hold. Was wondering if anyone has exchanged into - or owns here - and have been there recently? How does it compare with other resorts in the Orlando area. We have exchanged into Orange Lake, HGVC - Sea World, and CYPRESS POINTE GRANDVILLAS. Any information is greatly appreaciated in helping me to make a decision.

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Looks like an RCI exchange and there has been a few complaints about giving RCI exchangers the worst available units. Other than that, it's a nice resort, but could be better if they didn't hound you to see their sharks.

[swilshire Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close swilshire]

We stayed there in March and it was nice enough. We still prefer Vistana, HGVC or Mystic Dunes, but no real complaints. Our unit was fine. Not on the lake as we were told at checkin and sort of in the back of the resort.

We said no the first time they offered a tour and they never ask again. I actually wanted one, so went and ask them. It was very low key once I explained that we already have two more timeshares than we need.

Sheila

[TimeshareVon Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close TimeshareVon]

Of the places you've traded to in the past, I think you will find it to be of a lesser quality and you may be disappointed.

We stayed there once on a "tour package" (one of those 3 days/2 nights for $49 type deals) and the unit they had us in sucked. You'd think that if they wanted a chance to sell us, they'd put people up in a decent unit.

One of my favorite TS sales stories is from there, however. As we're walking into the main reception area to check in, there is a lady literally running out the front door screaming to someone behind her . . . "and stop trying to sell me $hit!!!" . . . and that became the catch phrase of the stay because they had that "selling you $hit" approach to everything and every contact.

If it were me, I would opt for another resort in Orlando.

p.s. YIKES . . . I just realized that the OP was nearly a month ago. You've probably already done whatever you decided to do. Hope it works out for you either way

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

We were there, briefly, the Thursday before Christmas, and all appeared to be normal. The sales parking lot was full!!!! (The same place we parked almost 20 years ago, only it is paved now, and gifting is not done in a tent.)

Then there is the midrise monument to Mr. Seagull going up.

Tony is right about the extremely vehement anti-RCI sentiment, stemming from the suit and counter between Mr. Seagull and Ms. DeHahn in the early 90's. As owners, we once went there with both an II and an RCI reservation. At checkin I opted for the RCI one, because it was a cheapy Bonus Vacation. They gave us the crappiest unit in the place, in the A or B building, and started the maintenance survey scam as soon as they opened the front door and gave us our bottle of throw-away fake champagne (no longer available).

Although all resorts likely have more supporters than detractors, because folks tend to justify themselves when they give money to people, Westgate is probably the most-despised and most frequently complained about resort/company. Google them and read a few.

But, anyone can stand any place for just a week. It can be fun playing their psychological mind games and subjecting yourself to degradation. It helps to build character.

[funtime2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close funtime2]

Thanks for the input. I opted not to trade for this resort.....instead we will be going to Sheraton Vistana instead. Hoping that we will get a good trade there.

[joycapecod Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close joycapecod]

My personal experience with Vistana was not pleasant. The unit we had was horrible and in need of being renovated. We complained to no avail...it was a school vacation week. We were basically told in a more polite way, there was no more room at the inn and to suck it up. I would never go back there. I actually think the unit we received was one of the rental fleet and not one of the actual timeshare units. It was VERY tired and very close to the entrance so you could hear road noise at night. My cousin exchanged in during a non-prime time and loved her unit...go figure???

Joy

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

Since the original Big 3 in Orlando were Vistana, Orange Lake and Westgate, Vistana is also an old resort. But what complaints you do hear about Vistana are normally about the physcial structure, not the people.

[swilshire Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close swilshire]

We are Vistana owners and have stayed there many times. I've never had a major complaint.

I like to try other resorts in Orlando, but I usually wind up with the kids complaining they're not at Vistana. The only place they ever liked as well was the Summer Bay pool house.

Sheila

[Becky Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Becky]

Thanks for all of the comments and info. It helps when looking for a trade outside Disney.