Was invited to take a tour of this discount travel club. It is a total scam! It is a part of the infamous westgate resorts scam selling organization! Check them out on google or the bbb! Thousands of unresoved complaints and an f rating across the board! Do yourself and favor and run like forrest gump from anything you are ever offered from westgate anywhere but especially in las vegas. They are higly deceptive and outright liars. They seem to have no shame, and also appear to be in dire financial straits from all the public info available with the fire sale of assets currentl being offered through auction. Beware... Of the westgate scam!
can the o.p. please expand on how they were deceived, especially about Las Vegas experience. I recently purchased WG resorts, and still have time to get out.
Westgate Travel Clubs duped me and I lost my money on this scam. After returning from Vegas I checked out the service to find all these complaints and 2 days past my time to rescind my contract...I feel so stupid and I'm a retired school teacher who was only trying to fulfill my dream of more travel. The reports and posts state that you can never get the get prices on rooms and when you call they say you should have booked in April for Sept. etc... Now I'm in debt on my credit card by paying for NOTHING.
Joy
This is a travel scam. I recommend all travellers to stay away. We purchased it and was told we had 3 days to change our mind. We returned the follow day and was told there was nothing they could do and we had to contact Florida. We sent a letter to Florida and was told we didn't include the correct wording. They would not refund any money paid but would cancel our account. So we lost our $2000.00 deposit for nothing.
We went to the presentation in Vegas and joined the club. When we got home I read the fine print. There was a clause which I didnt like stating that they have the right to cancel our membership in 2014. I called Florida and the person said they will ammend the contract. I called the person we dealt with in Vegas and he said to cancel the contract prior to 3 days, as per contract, which we did. Florida later sent an ammendment where they removed the clause. I decided to go ahead and cancel my contract after reading this site and the complaints. They credited my Mastercard that day. They charged me a small fee, which was stated in the contract. I don't know the details of other people's cpmplaints but I think most of the problems could have been avoided had they read the "fine print" My only concern is they don't have enough resorts to accommodate all their members. In other words when you want a room there is nothing available. Is there any happy members out there who could post their comments. I'm starting to have second thoughts about cancelling.
Purchased Westgate Travel Club in April of 2011. We stayed at Westgate Flamingo Bay in Las Vegas December 2011. The property was beautifully maintained and the service was very friendly. We also used Westgate Cruise and Travel to book our airfare with the customer service representative over the phone. The service was excellent. We have booked a cruise for the Carribean for June of this year and recieved an additional $500 off of our cruise using our travel credits. I also have read many of the complaints about Westgate, but they all seem to be from people who took timeshare tours and weren't happy with the way they were treated. This was definitely not my wife and I's experience with the staff of the Travel Club in Las Vegas.
We purchased a room at the Westgate in Park City in 2006. We love how close it is to your home and can go "get away" any time we want using the extra rental night. We have 4 kids that are all getting older now and we have all loved going there for our family vacations. There is always so much to do and they keep it well maintained. Every time we go we are treated like STARS. We love it. I want to become life time members of the ICE program they have but my husband has some reservations because we purchased and travel membership through Great Escapes and got screwed. We have paid off the membership but cant use it for the places and times we want to go. Please if there is any more comments from people who have used it please post. Thank you.
My husband and I purchased the travel club package in July 12. So far we have not been able to get any of the dates we want because they are booked. We were told to contact Leisure Time Passport and Westgate Travel and cruise for accommodations because they may have something available in their inventory. We'll needless to say they did not have anything for westgate properties but they have availability at other properties. But what they don't tell you is you can not get your week through the other agencies for $500 because your are not staying at a westgate property...so right now we are stuck making these monthly payments and not able to use our weeks.
I have just recently purchased a membership and I am still in the process of pain my feelings I just want to get some feedback in to see if I should cancel the rest of my payments I'm a single parent with two teenagers and I don't have money to spare so please give me feedback
We have been west gate members since 2010, we book our rooms at least 30 days in advance, have had wonderful accommodations 90% of the time, the few times they weren't good was due to other guests, not west gate. and with the travel club we booked a Disney cruise for $55 a night, an unheard of price. They offer a trial period where you are not obligated to buy, if you are interested, I would try it and experience it for yourself.
We bought our Park City membership in October of 2011. We were lied to by the sales manager who misrepresented what we bought. We were "sold" a deal for every other year for a 1 bedroom (sleeps 4), but they charged us for a 2 bedroom (sleeps 8) for every year. We didn't even consider going last year because it was our "off" year but in actuality, we could have used it last year. We were told to go through Interval International and have booked our first trip coming up in almost 2 months. I'm very leary and hope nothing goes wrong. Westgate Cruise & Travel just called and tried to sell me some sort of new membership, explaining ours expires in October. I don't understand that other membership. I think it's something you really need to understand, read the fine print, and follow your instincts. We wish we would have rescinded.
I agree also. I've been a wastage owner since Oct 2004 and recently was told by West gate cruise and travel that If I was a member after paying over $ 2000.00 and receiving three weeks and a cruise for 4 day; I would save so much money. Well it's a big lie. A cruise for my wife and I would cost me port and taxes to the tune of $ 600.00 they call that a deal. Wow really. The order three weeks are wastage resorts which are not that nice. I will never buy anything that West gate sells. I can't believe this company is still in business. I' am also going to complain to the BBB and Attorney General Office of there deceptive practice.
I work for the company that literally wrote the book on timeshare cancellations. I would love to speak to anyone that desires to get out of their contracts. Our website is http://www.timesharecancellation.com . My phone number is listed. My heart goes out to you. I hear these stories daily. We are accredited by the BBB. I will gladly send anyone that contacts me a reference email so you can check us out.
Respectfully,
Donna Nolen
Timeshare Advocacy International
[protected] x 227
I became a member of westgate cruise and travel in December 2013. I was in vacations with my husband in Orlando when you contacted us to present the program, and we were absolutely thrilled with the possibility of being part of such an incredible program with so many benefits.
We will have a holiday in Brazil in April, so we decided to use the Westgate Cruise and
Travel last week for the first time to start planning our trip.
The impression that it gave me is that we talked to two very good salesmen and that
we bought something much different than what you told us it was.
You told us that we would have a lot of opportunities of very cheap gateways, but as it
turns out there are much less options than you told us, and there is no flexibility for the check in dates at all.
After this frustration we decided not to look in the “hot weeks” anymore and already start arranging our trip for the end of the year. For our surprise, the prices are all much
higher than we thought it would be, and we found cheaper deals for the same
hotels/cruises you offer in westegate’s website on other websites. And we didn’t
even had to pay USD4, 500.00, 00 to have access to the other websites like we did
in Westgate Cruise and Travel.
I feel deceived and want my money back, or I want good deals for real and to have the
feeling that I really bought what you sold to me.
We have only had our westgate travel for about 3 weeks now. It seems they are not cheaper than other vacations. We are on a fixed income. My husband is a disabled veteran. Is there anyway, we can get out of this deal. I read later that I had three days to cancel, but they didn't tell me about it and by the time I read the small print, my time was up. Please give me advice. Thank you. Bought in Branson mo.
I purchased a timeshare at Westgate Resorts. I then purchased a membership with Westgate Cruise and Travel. As inducement to purchase I was given three certificates towards 2 resort weeks and 1 cruise. The September 2013 cruise was beautiful. In November I used a second certificate for a resort week in Florida. For my third certificate I started looking at resorts from the beginning of January until now, April 2004. Last night I finally decided on a resort. Imagine my surprise today when Westgate Cruise and Travel blocked my ability to book the certificate. I was told that I only had 2 certificates, although I have had several confirming conversations with Westgate about the 3nd certificate. My question is there anyone out there who experiences the same. It looks like they just added a bunch of international resorts. Possibly, they don't want to give those away. But a deal is a deal. I promised to pay -- and I did. Now it is time for Westgate to live up to its promise. If you experience the same write to me at PO Box 4766 Alpharetta GA 30023. I would love to bring a class action suit. Companies who don't live up to their promises deserve a spanking. Especially, when they want the owner or member to live up to theirs.
Took the offer for membership for $2, 499 to Westgate Cruise & Travel via telephone on Saturday, July 19, 2014. The offer included two 7 day stays at Westgate resorts and one 7 day cruise. We realized this was not going to work the way they sold it. Early Monday morning on July 21, (only 2 days later) I called the representative who sold it (Carrie) and she relentlessly tried to fix it so we would stay. I told her we were adamant and wanted out and would like to know what the cancellation policy was. Get this, she told me she did not know because this had never happened before. By now, I'm getting sick to my stomach. She said she would research the policy and get back to me. I did not hear back from her (they like to run the clock out until you no longer have time to cancel). That very night I called my credit card company and they were able to give me the address and policy. I had 10 days to notify them in writing. First thing Tuesday morning I sent a certified letter cancelling our subscription. They received my letter on Friday, July 25. On Saturday we received the paperwork and sure enough the cancellation policy was stated as having 10 days. However, these were NOT business days. The 10 days had begun the day we accepted the offer which meant we would only have had 2 days to get our cancellation letter (not much time on the clock). Fortunately, our credit card company had given the info and I was able to act on it.
They also advised that it be certified. Now, I am just waiting for them to refund my deposit of $199.00. (So glad we didn't put more down). It has been 5 business days already but my credit card company has advised to wait for 10 business days and then they will begin the dispute process which should be no problem because of the certified receipt. Will they honor their own policy? What do you think?
I have been with West gate Too long! This is the most dishonest Resort ever! I recently stayed with West gate. West gate would not let me use my week with them, I had to rent the nights! I had 15 people, were suppose to have room to sleep 4 people per room but they had me in a big room that slept 6 people per room-This is what I paid $1200 for, 3 NIGHTS! I had to argue with them and finally got a room that did sleep 8 people-JUST WHAT A PERSON WANTS TO DO ON THEIR VACATION. Then the couch bed pad was SPRINGS SO AGAIN I HAD TO GET WEST GATE TO REPLACE THE BED PADS ON COUNCH! WEST GATE HAS NO CUSTOMER SERVICE, DISHONEST BUNCH OF PEOPLE! WEST GATE NEEDS NOT TO EXIST AS A RESORT COMPANY!
WESTGATE TRAVEL CLUB .I like to add a positive note i have been a member since 2012 and i always got the dream vacation my family looked forward to every year. There is nothing perfect in this world if you are smart you will find there is alot of advantage being part of this club. No more ### hotel for me and my family.
I really cant believe what I am reading. I have been a Westgate Member since October 2010 and have not had any issues in booking any type of reservations what so ever. My in-laws own 2 weeks of timeshare and use my membership more then they use their timeshare. I've taken 2 cruises, one with Disney in the Caribbean and the other was an Alaskan cruise with Regent. The Alaskan cruise was by far my favorite cruise ever and the Travel Club saved me $825 per person and I have a family of 4. We also rented a 5 bedroom vacation home in Tennessee last May and it slept 11 of us comfortably. Most of our reservations are done 3-4 months prior and we've had no issues, but we're pretty flexible. I've had nothing but great customer service and everyone that I've referred had nothing but good things to say about the club. From what I have read most of these reviews are from people who have not even purchased the program and are assuming that it is a scam, when it is not.
Been a member of West Gate Travel Club and have yet to be able to use this over priced scam. Everytime I try to use it I am unable to book anything not to mention when you try to contact them by phone they give you another sales pitch and talk in circles so fast you have no idea what they are talking about... I want my money back
We purchased at Westgate Resorts in 1988 and in all those years have never had a problem with booking our stays, we were with RCI at first and now we are with Interval. In 2007 we changed to a 2 bedroom lock-off, which affords us 2 weeks of vacation if we split it. We joined ICE in 2009 and then it became Westgate Cruise and Travel, we have only good things to say about the service and the selection. We have been on 4 cruises through them both using credits as a discount or by trading out timeshare week. Can't wait to go on the cruise we just booked with them for next Feb. 2016. We have also booked nicely discounted hotels with them.
I attended a sales meeting in Vegas and bought into the cruise and travel club because the floor plan was brilliant and spacious. When I booked my vacation I thought for sure I would be disappointed and the room would be a typical hotel room (small) but I was very pleasantly surprised at how much the room mirrored the model room. It was a full suite, two bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, dishwasher, a huge Jacuzzi in the master bedroom. My jaw dropped to the floor. And I was able to bring my dog. LOVED IT. I loved it so much I went ahead and purchased a unit and I am even happier with that because I don't have to pay the $500 for the week like I did with the travel club. Buyers need to bear in mind it is not cheap, if you can't budget for it don't then don't do it, just say no. It is also a time-share so you may not always get the week you want unless you book ahead. Personally I love it and I use it. At first I was like 'oh no, what did I just do', but it's been three years and I have had many wonderful vacations.
Wow Karenhad and Frida from Cali, it's amazing you both would create a ComplaintsBoard profile just so you can say what a great company Westgate is.
How long have you been selling for Westgate? You're not fooling anyone, no one would come on here to praise a company. You two are part of the problem, go get honest jobs and stop selling air to innocent people.
Westgate should be published by mistreating people. I have similar story as everyone writing complaints here, and I am looking for some help or information to join the class law suit action against them. So many people got cheated and it is time for us to put some action together.
Has anyone ever been able to get their money back out of the 3 days cancellation? What would happen if i stopped my direct debit? I'm so devastated by what has happened here, i am getting married in 2017 and they said i would be able to use the Miami resorts to have all of my guests and that they would even be able to help me with my wedding plans! I haven't even had help in trying to book 5 nights in Vegas, so how are they going to help with the most important day of my life! That money could of been used for my wedding, i only bought it because i was thinking of all of my guests coming to Miami being able to save money. but there is no savings with this company anyway, just a big hole in my pocket and not even 1 holiday to show for it in 12 months! IF ANYONE HAS MANAGED TO GET THEIR MONEY BACK, PLEASE SHARE AND ADVISE US HOW TO DO THE SAME :(
You need a lawyer!
We bought the travel club on Oct 2015 thinking it was a good deal, but now that we are thinking about it how can it be a good deal if you need to pay US$5000+US$500+$199, that money could've been save and paid towards our mortgage. Can anyone please tell me how to cancel the membership with them, we are still in the process of paying down the down payment, We are Canadian and with the CAD$ not doing good this membership will cost us more money. Please help us cancel the membership. I have been emailing, calling and text messaging the Rep that sold it to us but no response from them. I'm really frustrated.
We also bought into this scam April 2014. We feel like we were brainwashed. We were lied to & tricked & deceived. I pray that God will make a way somehow for this company to have to pay for what they are doing. We would also like to be part of a class action lawsuit.
I joined West Gate travel club last year. I tried to book the free week over two months ago, and they keep telling me to call back. It is now April and I plan to go on vacation in June. Today was the last straw, I call the Federal Trade and started a complaint on them. It is a big ponzi scheme. They took the complaint and told me they would have to get more complaints on this company. They offer products and services to get you to buy in the company then you can't book the vacation. I would like my money back and they will not have any problem from me. If every one will please call,
The FTC The Southeast Region serves the residents of the following states:
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
The FTC has developed resource guides to help consumers find the appropriate agencies to contact about consumer-related matters. These guides contain lists of nonprofit, state and local agencies for the states listed above.
The address is:
Southeast Region Federal Trade Commission
Suite 1500 225 Peachtree Street. NE Atlanta, GA 30303., For Consumer Complaints contact the Consumer Response Center:
By phone: toll free 877-FTC-HELP [protected]); 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday;
By mail: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20580; or through the Internet, using the online complaint form.
It took 15 minutes to file the complaint.
I too was scammed by Westgate travel club. They promised things that are not true! I’m still trying to get my money back. Purchased on Feb .26 2023,
Tried to cancel after a couple of weeks as they told me I have to wait that long to get a package confirming my membership. Never received package, Altho got emailed to say I gave a membership #.
Tried to find a vacation that they promised I would get on their “cheap” rate….. could not find any.
Even their pelt manager did not know how to navigate their system… for some who has worked there for 14+ years, she’s never taken any of the vacations either! I wonder why?
It’s a scam. Do not fall for it!
We are sorry to hear that you want to cancel your Travel Club Membership . Unfortunately, your membership cannot be canceled at this time. As stated in the cancelation policy in your contract, you had 3 business days from the date of purchase to request a cancelation of your Travel Club Membership. We have attached a copy of your contract to this email for your reference. Below you will also see the cancelation policy stated in your agreement.
MEMBERS' RIGHT TO CANCEL You may cancel this agreement without any penalty or obligation within three (3) business days after the date you sign this agreement. If you decide to cancel this agreement, you must notify Sponsor in writing of your intent to cancel. Your notice of cancellation is effective upon the date sent and must be sent to Westgate Travel Club, Attn: Cancellations, at 2801 Old Winter. Garden Road Ocoee FL, 34761.
Thank you for responding back to me.
I want to start by saying when we signed the agreement we weren’t told that we had 3 days and I’m so thankful that we recorded the whole conversation and questions we asked. From the recording we were advised that we couldn’t do anything until when we received a welcome email which came on the 4th day after we signed the agreement which actually throws out your 3days cancellation.
While I would love to resolve without involving the bank or the law, I would sincerely appreciate that you reconsider.
Like I said initially, you all look at people differently therefore quoting different prices.
I’m sorry for sending several messages. Did I mention that I called several times last week Wednesday and was directed to an extension to leave a message and never heard back and this was 2days literally after signing and didn’t even know at the time that you had 3 business days to cancel, after speaking to a family friend who told us how much they paid 2days after we signed the contract was what prompted me to call and cancel, which was over $2000 less than what we pain for the same package?
I mention law in my previous mail but I actually meant legal action.
So I’ve attached the response I received from them, and also the email I sent threatening them.
Whenever anyone is ready to file a class action suit, contact me. My case is unresolved and we'll documented I'm ready to go. I paid $2500 for a lifetime membership and promised a lot of stuff. They took the money and has not delivered on one request for services. Let's go Westgate. I'll show you damages.
I’m ready to join you
I have been on the phone for 2 days trying to book a vacation there telling me you have to book this year for next year really how do you know in a year where you want to go or you want to do im so mad right know i have tryed for a year to book vacation and every time i call they can get me a room but yet you look on line and can book a week stay any where with them for 100 dollars and i have time share with them i wish i would of never got the time share with them it was me trowing my money away so mad right know
This is my third year with westgate and I want to make it a goal to visit as many of them as I can. We started with buying into a Flamingo bay every other year for $12, 500. We now have upgraded to Las Vegas casino villa where we can now exchange are Vegas week for 2 other week at any other westgate. Yes I first felt I was sucker in when I bought life time cruise and travel and now pay $29 annual fee instead of $249. Our best vacation was in Smoky mountain resort 2nd week of Oct. 3rd week might have been a little better for the fall colors. We had used the week from Flamingo bay about March to book ahead of time. So far we have been to westgate lake and palace in Florida, Smoky Mountain, Flamingo Bay and Vegas Casino. There are many perks the owners to get like Vegas Casino was hotel like so we had free continental breakfast, free wine and beer at 5pm. other Westgate places they have a welcome dinner smoky mountain had a free lunch and breakfast. I do not buy the travel ins but our 2 week car rental in vegas was only $13 per day. If I were to offer any advise learn to know what the time share are trying to be resold for prior them saying this is worth $170K smoky muontain, $250k villa in vegas. Air fare quotes have been valid and no extra fees.
Yeah Mike1952, im sure you have been with Westgate for 3 years. As a salesman, get real you know to many details and I call ### on you. My parents suffered at the hands of you scamming dogs. I got them out so if they are so wonderful, why did they let my folks out after we pointed out the lies they were told.
Please how do I get out of it?
We have been travel club members for a year and a half and it is the biggest rip off and scam! We were told so many things in our presentation that we're all lies. We spent over $6000 for this crap and still have to pay full price elsewhere to vacation. Nothing at any west gate resort within traveling distance for us ever has an opening. Doesn't matter when we try to book or how far in advance as they are booked no matter what. They also change their policies quite a bit from what they tell you at the presentation. Stay far away from westgate! Feel free to email me if you want specifics. I have a lot! Stephanie@shadixphotography.com
My friend used to sell timeshares and vacation clubs in Vegas, and he laughed when he saw complaints like these from people who got ripped off by different companies. And when I questioned his indifference towards these victims, his reply was they deserved it. Everyday, he said, mooches go to timeshares and vacation clubs presentations for cheesy show tickets and wasted the salespersons' time and complained and complained for having duped into a several hours presentation when it was supposed to be 90 minutes long. He went on to say that these so-called victims wanted something for nothing; they deserved to be ripped off. So, here we go, learn your lesson and move on. Don't ever go to any more presentation and waste other people's time including yours for some trinkets
I bet you’re the crook sales rep claiming it’s your friend.
These sales people will lie and leave out information that would keep a client from buying if they knew. They have to sell their worthless crap under false pretenses. So feel free to waste their time. They don't deserve to be respected, it's a bunch of con men. At the end of the presentation tell them you just filed for bankruptcy and cannot buy anything, that will get you out quickly with your gifts
westgate cruise and travel has me craving a getaway! 🌍✨ Where's your dream destination with them?