The Westgate Experience
On April 3, 1998, I went for a timeshare tour at Westgate Resorts, Orlando, Florida. We didn't go on the tour just for the tickets, like many did. We actually wanted information on the system. Westgate promised us a 90 minute tour and proceeded to use up 3 hours of our valuable vacation time. They did so in an extremely pressureful and insulting manner. I have never been talked to like that by a salesperson in my entire life. My boyfriend and I made every attempt to be polite and civil and we were yelled at and abused in return.
I have reported the experience to the Better Business Bureau and all other appropriate agencies. The responses are listed below. In general, neither the Better Business Bureau nor the Attorney General of Florida showed any interest in persuing what Westgate did. I therefore put my experiences on the web so that others could hear my story.
Read Lisa's Experience with the Westgate Resorts Sales Pitch
Read 100+ user-submitted reviews of Westgate Resorts Timeshare Issues
Positive Comments from Westgate Owners
Evaluation of Finances Issues with Buying a Timeshare from Westgate
Preparing for a Timeshare Tour
Text of the Florida Statutes involving Cancelling a Timeshare
Direct Link to Florida Government Website
Florida Timeshare Complaint Form
Central Florida Better Business Bureau Website
I am not a lawyer. If you are stuck with a timeshare issue, consult a lawyer! Normally you have 10 days to change your mind after purchase, but you must cancel IN WRITING, with a CERTIFIED LETTER.
My Complaint to the Better Business Bureau
I contacted the BBB on May 24, 1998
June 3, 1998: The BBB writes a letter to Westgate asking for a response
June 5, 1998: Westgate says I should have just walked out without the tickets
Westgate Employees Speak Up
Oct 17 2002: A Westgate Employee Accuses Me of Slander
Slander is Spoken Malicious Lies, Libel is Written Malicious Lies. This is Neither.
Apr 24 2003: A Salesperson says the Smart People Buy
Apr 25 2003: A Second Discussion with the Salesperson