December 2, 2025
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Westgate Resorts operates one of the largest timeshare networks in the United States, with properties spanning Florida, Nevada, Tennessee, and other popular vacation destinations. The company manages over 28 resorts offering traditional timeshare ownership and vacation club memberships. Understanding what Westgate offers helps potential buyers and current owners make informed decisions about vacation ownership.
This guide examines Westgate’s most popular properties, breaks down the real costs of ownership, and explains legitimate options for owners seeking to exit their contracts. You will learn what distinguishes Westgate from other timeshare brands and which questions to ask before committing to ownership or pursuing cancellation.
Westgate Resorts represents a privately held hospitality company founded in 1982 by David Siegel. The company operates as both a resort developer and timeshare seller, offering vacation ownership through deeded weeks and points-based systems. Westgate properties cater primarily to families seeking spacious accommodations with full kitchens and resort amenities.
The American Resort Development Association reported in their 2024 industry analysis that Westgate ranks among the top ten timeshare developers by total inventory in the United States. The company has shifted focus in recent years toward larger villa-style units and integrated resort experiences that combine lodging with entertainment and dining venues.
Quick Answer: Westgate Timeshare is a vacation ownership program offering deeded week intervals or points-based memberships at 28+ resorts across popular U.S. destinations. Owners purchase the right to use accommodations annually, paying upfront costs plus ongoing maintenance fees.
Westgate offers two primary ownership structures that determine how owners access vacation time. Traditional deeded weeks grant ownership of a specific unit for the same week each year. This fixed schedule works well for families who vacation consistently during the same season and prefer predictable planning.
The points-based system provides more flexibility through the Westgate Vacation Club. Owners purchase annual points that can be used across multiple properties and different times of year. Points values vary based on unit size, season, and destination demand. This model appeals to travelers who want variety in their vacation experiences.
Both ownership types include obligations that extend beyond the initial purchase. Annual maintenance fees fund property upkeep, amenities, and administrative costs. These fees increase over time and represent a perpetual financial commitment that continues regardless of whether you use your ownership.
Westgate maintains direct control over sales, operations, and management unlike some competitors that franchise or license their brand. This vertical integration allows consistent service standards but also means the company handles both the vacation experience and the sales process. Sales presentations at Westgate properties are known for their length and intensity.
The company operates several flagship mega-resorts that distinguish it from brands focusing primarily on smaller properties. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando rank among the largest timeshare properties in their respective markets. These resorts include thousands of units and extensive on-site amenities.
Westgate does not participate in major external exchange networks as extensively as some competitors. The company encourages owners to vacation within the Westgate portfolio rather than exchanging into properties managed by other brands. This approach limits destination variety but allows Westgate to maintain tighter control over the owner experience.
Westgate’s property portfolio concentrates heavily in Florida and Nevada, with additional locations in Tennessee, Utah, Missouri, and other states. Each resort targets specific traveler segments and offers different amenities. Understanding these distinctions helps potential buyers select properties aligned with their vacation preferences.
The following reviews cover Westgate’s most recognized properties based on size, location appeal, and market presence. These resorts represent the company’s flagship offerings and generate the majority of ownership sales. Property conditions, amenities, and management quality can vary significantly across the portfolio.
Quick Answer: Westgate’s most popular resorts include Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando, and several properties near major theme parks and entertainment districts throughout Florida and Nevada.
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino occupies the site of the former Las Vegas Hilton, located one block east of the Las Vegas Strip. The property includes nearly 3,000 hotel rooms and timeshare villas, a 95,000-square-foot casino, multiple restaurants, and entertainment venues. The property’s history includes hosting Elvis Presley’s legendary residency performances.
The resort appeals to visitors seeking Las Vegas experiences beyond traditional Strip properties. Its location provides easier parking access and typically lower pricing than Strip casinos while remaining close to major attractions. The property includes the world’s largest sportsbook and hosts conventions throughout the year.
Timeshare units at Westgate Las Vegas range from studios to three-bedroom villas. Many units were renovated in recent years, though quality varies depending on which building and floor your week occupies. Owners report that resort fees, parking charges, and other ancillary costs add significantly to the base maintenance fees.
Westgate operates multiple properties in the Orlando market, capitalizing on the area’s position as one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations. The Orlando portfolio includes resorts near Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and International Drive entertainment districts. Statista reported that Orlando attracted over 75 million visitors in 2023, making it America’s most visited destination.
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa represents the company’s flagship Orlando property. Located near Universal Studios, the resort sits on 97 acres surrounding a private lake. The property includes boat rentals, multiple pools, restaurants, and recreational facilities designed for extended family stays.
Other Orlando Westgate properties include Westgate Vacation Villas near Disney, Westgate Town Center Resort & Spa, and Westgate Palace on International Drive. Each property targets slightly different markets based on proximity to attractions and amenity offerings. The concentration of Westgate properties in Orlando reflects the market’s importance to the company’s overall portfolio.
Westgate Lakes deserves specific attention as one of the company’s largest and most established properties. The resort includes over 1,300 villas ranging from studios to four-bedroom units. All accommodations feature full kitchens, separate living areas, and washer/dryer units that appeal to families planning week-long stays.
The property’s amenities include seven outdoor pools, a mini-golf course, fishing on the private lake, scheduled activities for children, and multiple dining options. The resort operates shuttle service to nearby theme parks, though some owners report inconsistent schedules and limited availability during peak seasons.
Maintenance fees at Westgate Lakes have increased steadily over the past decade. Owners in online forums frequently discuss annual fee increases that exceed inflation rates. The resort underwent renovations in recent years that improved some units while contributing to special assessment charges for owners.
The term “Westgate Hotel Las Vegas” sometimes creates confusion as it may refer to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino discussed earlier or be used interchangeably. Westgate does not operate a separate hotel property distinct from its resort and casino. The main Westgate presence in Las Vegas centers on the single large resort property near the convention center.
When researching Westgate Las Vegas, verify you are reviewing the correct property. The resort operates both hotel rooms available for nightly rental and timeshare villas sold through the vacation ownership program. These represent different products with different cost structures and obligations.
Understanding the complete financial picture of Westgate ownership requires examining both upfront purchase costs and ongoing annual obligations. Marketing presentations often emphasize the initial purchase price while downplaying the perpetual nature of maintenance fees and special assessments. These recurring costs typically increase annually and represent the largest long-term expense.
The Better Business Bureau received over 400 complaints related to Westgate Resorts in 2024, with many citing concerns about unexpected fee increases and high-pressure sales tactics. Prospective buyers should request detailed documentation of historical maintenance fee increases before committing to purchase.
Quick Answer: Westgate timeshare costs include initial purchase prices ranging from $15,000 to $50,000+ for deeded weeks, annual maintenance fees starting around $1,200 to $2,500+ depending on unit size, plus potential special assessments for property improvements and financing interest if applicable.
Westgate timeshare purchase prices vary dramatically based on unit size, season, location, and whether you buy directly from the developer or through the resale market. Developer pricing for a one-bedroom deeded week typically starts around $15,000 to $25,000, while larger units during peak seasons can exceed $50,000.
Points-based memberships through Westgate Vacation Club start at lower entry levels but often require purchasing substantial point packages to secure desirable accommodations during high-demand periods. Sales presentations may quote initial point costs without clearly explaining that useful ownership often requires purchasing additional points.
The secondary resale market tells a different story about Westgate timeshare values. Resale prices typically run 50% to 90% below developer pricing, with many owners struggling to find buyers at any price. This dramatic value gap reflects the reality that timeshares rarely function as financial investments despite marketing suggestions otherwise.
Maintenance fees represent the true long-term cost of Westgate ownership. These annual charges fund property operations, repairs, insurance, property taxes, and management expenses. Fees increase regularly to cover rising operational costs, and owners cannot avoid payment regardless of whether they use their ownership.
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa maintenance fees for a one-bedroom unit currently run approximately $1,400 to $1,800 annually depending on specific week and unit location. Larger units carry proportionally higher fees, with three-bedroom villas often exceeding $2,500 per year. These amounts increase annually at rates typically ranging from 3% to 8%.
Maintenance fees continue as long as you own the timeshare and often extend beyond your lifetime. Many Westgate contracts include perpetuity clauses that transfer obligations to your heirs upon death. This creates potential burdens for family members who inherit unwanted timeshares along with the financial obligations they carry.
Beyond regular maintenance fees, Westgate owners may face special assessments for major property improvements, hurricane damage repairs, or other capital projects. These one-time charges can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars and typically require payment within specific timeframes to avoid penalties.
Resort fees, parking charges, and amenity fees add to ownership costs at many Westgate properties. Some resorts charge owners for services that seem like they should be included in maintenance fees, such as pool access or fitness center usage. These charges vary by property and can add several hundred dollars to annual costs.
Financing costs significantly inflate total ownership expenses for buyers who finance purchases through Westgate. Interest rates on developer financing often range from 14% to 18%, far exceeding rates available for traditional mortgages. A $20,000 timeshare financed over ten years at 16% interest results in total payments exceeding $40,000.
Before purchasing any timeshare, calculate the total cost over your expected ownership period. Multiply annual maintenance fees by the number of years you plan to own the property, add the purchase price, and include estimated fee increases of 4% to 5% annually. Compare this total to the cost of booking equivalent accommodations through traditional vacation rentals.
For example, a $25,000 Westgate purchase with $1,500 annual maintenance fees increasing 5% yearly costs approximately $85,000 over 20 years before special assessments or financing charges. This amount could fund numerous vacation rentals without ownership obligations or resale difficulties.
Exiting a Westgate timeshare requires understanding your contract terms, available programs, and legitimate exit strategies. Many owners discover that terminating ownership proves far more difficult than the salesperson suggested during the initial presentation. Westgate offers limited official exit options, and the secondary market provides little help given depressed resale values.
The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers about timeshare exit scams that have proliferated in recent years. Many fraudulent companies specifically target Westgate owners with promises of quick exits and full refunds. These scammers collect upfront fees then disappear without delivering any real service.
Quick Answer: Cancel Westgate timeshare through rescission during the cooling-off period, Westgate’s Legacy Program for qualified owners, negotiated deed-back arrangements, or licensed attorney assistance for cases involving sales misrepresentation. Avoid exit companies demanding large upfront fees.
Florida law grants timeshare buyers a ten-day rescission period following purchase. Nevada provides a five-day cooling-off window. During these periods, buyers can cancel the contract for any reason and receive a full refund. Rescission rights represent the only guaranteed cancellation method without consequences.
Westgate provides rescission instructions in the contract documents delivered at closing. Follow these instructions exactly, submitting written cancellation via certified mail to the specific address listed. Keep copies of all correspondence and delivery confirmation. Missing deadlines or using incorrect procedures can invalidate your rescission rights.
Some owners discover extended rescission rights if Westgate failed to provide required disclosures or violated state regulations during the sales process. Licensed attorneys specializing in timeshare law can evaluate whether your purchase involved violations that extend cancellation rights beyond standard cooling-off periods.
Westgate operates an official exit program called the Legacy Program for owners who meet specific qualification criteria. The program allows eligible owners to surrender their timeshare back to Westgate, terminating future obligations. Qualification requirements and program availability change periodically.
Typical Legacy Program requirements include having no outstanding mortgage balance, being current on all maintenance fees, and having owned for a minimum period. Westgate charges administrative fees for processing surrenders, typically ranging from $2,500 to $4,000 depending on ownership type and property.
Contact Westgate Owner Services directly to inquire about current Legacy Program eligibility and requirements. Request information in writing and review all terms carefully before submitting fees. Some owners report long processing times and poor communication during the surrender process.
Licensed attorneys specializing in timeshare law provide the most reliable path for complex exit situations. These professionals evaluate whether your purchase involved misrepresentation, undisclosed fees, or regulatory violations that create grounds for contract rescission. They negotiate directly with Westgate using legal strategies unavailable to individual owners.
Reputable timeshare attorneys structure fees through retainer agreements with clear billing rather than demanding full payment upfront. Expect legal representation to cost between $3,000 and $6,000 for straightforward cases. Attorneys should provide realistic assessments of success probability rather than guaranteeing results.
Verify attorney credentials through state bar associations before engaging representation. Check for disciplinary history and confirm they specialize in timeshare law specifically. General practice attorneys may lack the specialized knowledge needed to navigate timeshare contract complexities effectively.
Use this systematic checklist when pursuing Westgate timeshare cancellation. First, gather all contract documents, maintenance fee records, and correspondence with Westgate. Review your purchase contract for rescission deadlines and surrender provisions.
Second, contact Westgate Owner Services to inquire about the Legacy Program and current qualification requirements. Document all communications including dates, representative names, and information provided. Third, research licensed timeshare attorneys in your state and schedule consultations to evaluate your options.
Fourth, avoid any company that demands large upfront fees, guarantees specific results, or uses high-pressure tactics. Legitimate services use escrow arrangements or performance-based payment structures. Finally, continue paying maintenance fees while pursuing exit strategies to avoid default consequences that complicate resolution.
How much does a Westgate timeshare really cost?
Initial purchase prices range from $15,000 to $50,000+ when buying from Westgate directly, plus annual maintenance fees starting around $1,200 to $2,500 that increase yearly. Financing adds substantial interest costs. Total lifetime expenses over 20 years often exceed $75,000 to $100,000 including all fees and assessments.
Can I sell my Westgate timeshare easily?
The Westgate resale market is extremely limited with minimal buyer demand. Most owners find their timeshares worth 50% to 90% less than original purchase prices. Many units receive no offers even when listed at nominal prices. Resale difficulty represents one of the most common owner complaints across timeshare brands.
What is Westgate’s official exit program?
Westgate operates the Legacy Program allowing qualified owners to surrender timeshares. Requirements typically include no outstanding mortgage, current maintenance fee payments, and minimum ownership periods. The program charges administrative fees of $2,500 to $4,000. Availability and eligibility criteria change periodically, so contact Owner Services for current requirements.
Are Westgate timeshare presentations worth attending for the gifts?
Presentations typically last 90 minutes to several hours and involve high-pressure sales tactics. Promotional gifts range from show tickets to small cash amounts but require sitting through the entire presentation. Many attendees report aggressive sales approaches that make the experience uncomfortable regardless of the incentive offered.
Westgate Resorts operates a substantial timeshare portfolio with properties in popular vacation destinations across the United States. Understanding the complete cost structure, ownership obligations, and exit limitations helps potential buyers make informed decisions. Current owners seeking to exit should focus on legitimate programs like the Legacy option or licensed attorney representation.
Avoid falling for timeshare exit scams that promise quick solutions and guaranteed results. These fraudulent operations target desperate Westgate owners with false promises while collecting upfront fees. Stick with official Westgate programs, verified attorneys, or well-researched resale approaches that use escrow protection.
Need guidance navigating Westgate timeshare ownership or exploring legitimate exit options? Contact TimeshareExitToday.com for a free consultation with experienced professionals who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most effective approach without high-pressure tactics or unrealistic promises.
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