How to Cancel Westgate Timeshare Easily
Cacation ownership can feel like a dream when you are touring a beautiful resort in Florida, but the reality often sets in when the maintenance fees arrive. Westgate Resorts is one of the largest privately held timeshare companies in the world, known for its massive presence in vacation hubs.
However, many owners eventually find that the long-term financial commitment no longer fits their lifestyle or budget. Whether you are feeling buyer’s remorse or your circumstances have changed, understanding your options for a Westgate timeshare cancellation is essential. This guide will walk you through the various paths to ending your ownership, from legal rescission periods to professional exit strategies.
Westgate Timeshare Cancellation
The fastest and most effective way to cancel a Westgate resort timeshare is to act within the “rescission period,” which is a short window of time immediately following your purchase. Every state has specific laws that allow buyers to cancel a contract without penalty, typically ranging from three to ten days.
To execute this, you must send a formal written notice, often called a westgate timeshare cancellation letter to the resort via certified mail before the deadline expires. If you are past this legal cooling-off period, cancellation becomes significantly more complex and usually requires negotiating a deed-back, proving fraud or misrepresentation, or hiring a specialized exit service to advocate on your behalf.
Overview of the Ownership Structure
Westgate operates primarily on a deeded interest model, which means when you buy in, you are technically purchasing a fraction of real estate. Most of their products are “fixed” or “floating” weeks. A fixed week means you own the rights to the same week every year, while a floating week allows you to compete for availability within a certain season.
They also utilize a points-based system through their Westgate Cruise & Travel Collection. While this sounds flexible, the underlying structure remains a perpetual contract. This means the obligation to pay maintenance fees does not end until the deed is legally transferred back to the resort or to a new owner. Unlike a traditional hotel stay, you are responsible for the upkeep of the property regardless of whether you actually vacation there that year.
How Much is a Westgate Timeshare?
If you are considering a purchase, you might wonder about the Westgate resort timeshare cost. On average, a new unit purchased directly from the developer can range anywhere from $15,000 to over $35,000. However, the initial purchase price is only the beginning. You must also factor in closing costs, interest rates if you finance through the developer, and annual maintenance fees.
To get a true sense of how much is a westgate timeshare, you have to look at the lifetime cost. Maintenance fees typically start around $600 to $1,000 per year but tend to increase annually by 3% to 5%. Over twenty years, a “cheap” timeshare can easily cost an owner over $50,000 when taxes and special assessments are included. This is why many people eventually search for Westgate timeshare deals on the secondary market rather than buying at full retail price.
How to Sell a Westgate Timeshare: Is It Possible?
Many owners ask, “How can I sell my Westgate timeshare?” The short answer is that it is possible, but it is incredibly difficult. The secondary market for timeshares is flooded with owners trying to offload their units for as little as $1. Because Westgate sells their units at high margins to cover marketing and sales commissions, the resale value often drops by 90% the moment the ink dries on the contract.
If you want to sell Westgate timeshare interests, you can list them on sites like TUG (Timeshare Users Group) or RedWeek. However, be prepared for a long wait. You should also be aware that Westgate often has a “Right of First Refusal” (ROFR). This means if you find a buyer, Westgate has the right to step in and buy it back at that price instead. While this sounds good, they rarely exercise it unless the price is exceptionally low, and it can complicate the closing process for independent sellers.
Westgate Timeshare Locations & Availability Challenges
There are numerous Westgate timeshare locations across the United States. Their flagship properties are often the focus of Westgate Timeshare Orlando Florida, where they have massive resorts like Westgate Lakes and Westgate Vacation Villas. You can also find them as a timeshare Las Vegas option at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Other spots include Gatlinburg, Myrtle Beach, Branson, and Park City.
The challenge many owners face is availability. Even though you pay thousands for the right to stay, popular dates like Christmas, Spring Break, or Fourth of July often book up a year in advance. Owners frequently complain that they cannot get into their home resort while seeing the same rooms available for rent to the general public on sites like Expedia or Booking.com. This “availability squeeze” is a primary driver for people wanting to know the exit strategy.
Westgate Timeshare Reviews & Complaints
Looking at Westgate Resorts timeshare reviews reveals a common pattern of experiences. On the positive side, many families enjoy the spacious villas, the water parks, and the amenities provided at the larger resorts. However, the negative reviews often focus on the high-pressure sales tactics used during the initial presentation.
Common complaints include:
- Sales presentations lasting 6-8 hours instead of the promised 90 minutes.
- Unexpected increases in annual maintenance fees.
- Difficulty booking desired vacation dates.
- The realization that the “investment” has no resale value.
These grievances are documented across platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and various consumer protection forums, leading many to search for Westgate Resorts timeshare exit methods.
Is Westgate Timeshare a Good Investment
The answer from financial experts is almost always a resounding “no.” A traditional investment is an asset that appreciates in value or generates income. A timeshare is a purchase of future vacations that depreciates instantly.
You should view a timeshare as a “lifestyle purchase” or a pre-paid vacation plan, not a financial vehicle. Because you cannot easily liquidate the asset and it carries a perpetual debt obligation (maintenance fees), it functions more like a liability than an investment. If you ever hear a salesperson suggest that the unit will appreciate in value, they are likely providing misinformation that could be grounds for a contract challenge later.
How to Get Out of a Westgate Timeshare Within the Rescission Period
If you just signed your papers and are feeling regret, you are in luck. You can cancel the timeshare contracts legally and easily if you act within the state-mandated rescission period. This period is usually very short, so you must check your contract immediately for the “Notice of Cancellation” section.
To cancel, you must:
- Draft a Westgate timeshare cancellation letter. This letter should include your name, contract number, date of purchase, and a clear statement that you are exercising your right to rescind.
- Send it via Certified Mail. Do not just call your salesperson or visit the front desk. You need a paper trail and proof of mailing before the deadline.
- Request a confirmation. Once they receive the letter, they are legally obligated to refund your deposit and terminate the contract.
This is the only way to get rid of Westgate timeshare debt without a long-drawn-out struggle or additional costs.
Can I Cancel My Westgate Timeshare After the Deadline?
Once the rescission period passes, you cannot simply send a letter and walk away. The contract is a legally binding real estate obligation. However, it is not impossible to exit. You will need to explore more aggressive exit options.
Misrepresentation and Fraud Claims
If you were told lies during the sales presentation, you might have a case for cancellation. Common misrepresentations include being told the timeshare is an investment, that the resort will buy it back later, or that maintenance fees will never go up. Finding contract loopholes related to these false promises often requires the help of a legal professional or an experienced exit advocate who knows how to pressure the resort’s compliance department.
Financial Hardship Scenarios
Sometimes, life happens. If you have suffered a medical emergency, lost your job, or are dealing with a fixed income in retirement, Westgate may occasionally listen to a hardship plea. While not guaranteed, presenting a well-documented case of financial distress can sometimes lead to a negotiated release, especially if the mortgage is already paid off.
Renting Out a Westgate Timeshare
If you can’t cancel yet, you might try to offset costs by renting. While this doesn’t “get you out,” it can help cover maintenance fees. However, be careful—Westgate has strict rules about commercial renting, and the market is competitive. This is rarely a long-term solution for those who want to be completely free of the contract.
Westgate Deedback & Exit Programs
Recently, due to pressure from consumer groups, some developers have started “Legacy” or “Deedback” programs. You should contact Westgate directly and ask for their “Legacy Program” department. To qualify, you usually need to have a clear title (no mortgage) and be current on all fees. They may charge a small administrative fee to take the deed back, but it is often the cleanest way to cancel.
Exit Westgate Timeshare With Professional Assistance
If the resort refuses to work with you, many owners turn to third-party companies. These firms specialize in identifying discrepancies in the sales process and using them as leverage to negotiate a release. This route involves an upfront cost, but for many, the “peace of mind” is worth it to stop the lifetime of maintenance fees.
Westgate Timeshare Scams & Exit Industry Warnings
You must be extremely careful when searching for help. The timeshare exit industry is full of “recovery” scams. Never trust a company that cold-calls you claiming they have a buyer ready for your unit. These are almost always scams designed to steal an upfront “transfer fee.”
Always research Westgate Resorts timeshare promotions and exit companies through the BBB. A legitimate company will have a physical office, a proven track record, and will often offer an escrow payment option where they don’t get paid until your contract is actually cancelled. If an offer sounds too good to be true, such as getting your full purchase price back, it is a lie.
Cancel Westgate Timeshare the Right Way
The most reliable way to sell a Westgate timeshare or cancel it is to stay organized and persistent. If you are a new owner, use that rescission period immediately. If you are a long-time owner, start by contacting the resort’s internal surrender department.
If you find yourself stuck and the resort is being uncooperative, reaching out to a reputable advocate like Resort Victory can provide the guidance you need. They specialize in helping owners navigate the complex “back-door” exit processes that resorts don’t advertise to the public. You don’t have to be burdened by a vacation you no longer use or want.