I'm one of the few that really loved Westgate Lakes. We stayed there 2 summers in a row. I rented a 2 bedroom. All two bedrooms comes with full kitchen, hot tub, etc. I personally enjoyed Westgate. We always got clean rooms, and everything promised to us. Parking can be a challenge after 9pm - but I think thats everywhere. The first year check in was slow (on a Friday 4pm check in time- we waited almost an hour). But we loved our room and was given $100 in meal vouchers for their on site restaurant for our wait - room was not ready. Last summer check in was extremely fast - like 10 minutes (there is a process - have to check in at one plance and get any vouchers offered and make appointment for presentation at another). The 2nd year we checked in on a Sunday around 6pm. I recommend staying as far away from the restaurant as possible (old rooms - I think some are occupied by staff members.) If you don't mind a pool view ask for it, but keep in mind its a family resort, so it can be a little noisey. First year we had a pool view (3rd floor) a little noisey at night, but it got me excited about getting in the pool. Second year I requested not to be near one, and walked a little ways to get to a pool. I kind of wished we were near one because of that walk.
So if you ask me, I would say reguest a room that is a pool view, bottom room (if you want a walk out balcony), and I think you'll be pleased. The rooms looks actually like their website down to the bedspreads:
Westgate Lakes
It sounds like chicknoodle99 got a studio room. The lakes does not have a 1 bedroom unit, but other westgate properties has them.
Now I'm not going to sugar coat the presentation, its horrible, but my DH and I have come up with sure tips to ensure 90 minutes. Read carefully, and I promise you can get thru it.
Here are my tips that get us in out within and sometimes under 90 minutes:
1. NEVER EAT THEIR BREAKFAST/lLUNCH/DINNER!!!! Almost always they offer SOME KIND of meal. Your presentation time does not begin until AFTER you finish your meal/coffee, etc. So while you eat, or drink that time DOES NOT COUNT!!!!
2. If you already know what resort your touring, do some research on it!!!! Find out how much "resale" prices are - off of different websites. And most importantly BRING IT WITH YOU!!! Nothing gets under their skin more than an "educated" buyer. Some will say not to buy from other resellers because you loose the resort "star" treatment!!! I simple say, "I wouldn't want to buy from a company who does not treat ALL its owner with the FULL respect they deserve"!!!!! Just because SOME buyers have sense enough not to end up paying 17% in interest and pay 50%-70% less they should be punished!!!
3. DON'T BE AFRAID OF BEING RUDE!!!!! Some people are afraid to be rude to people who have no problems being RUDE to them!!! I have gone so far as to bring materials to read!!! A friend of mine laid her head down and went to sleep (AFTER A FEW HOURS OF BEGGING from the Salesman)!!!!!! Our first presentation lasted well over 4 hours!!! TRUST ME BE RUDE!!!!!
4. If you know for sure that your not interested in buying (obsolutely sure) and you didn't eat their food - make it CLEAR from the beginning that you have to pick up your family or friend at the airport within 2 hours!!!! - Stretch the truth maybe!!!
5. If you have been thru a presentation before tell them you have!!! That way you don't have to go thru that speech of how good of an investment the timeshare is, and how much money you'll be saving. BLAH BLAH BLAH!!
6. If you have ANY complaints about the property (particularly if you are staying on that site). Bring a list of every reason why you would not buy from that property.)
7. Show your disinterest in your face. These people are trained to "pick up" on those interested. Let me give you an example. My first tour was at Westgate (VERY HARD SELL - if you can survive a Westgate presentation you can survive any of them), anyway, A friend of mine (who had their presentation before ours) bought a Timeshare there ( a 2-bedroom) for around $13,000. The next day, when we had our presentation, the same 2 bedroom lock out was offered to us at $7500. Because we really were not interested and the price kept getting lower. Last year we were offered a 2 bedroom at Westgate Tower for $5000 (we were almost tempted!!!) If you look on ebay right now I'm sure someone is selling a 2 bedroom (at Westgate Lakes) for every bit of $3000. You do the math!!!!
8. If you are doing a timeshare at a world wide chain like Marriot or Starwood, they are usually low pressured but still do your research!!!! - HIGHER end Timeshares are extremely expensive - more expensive than Disney DVC.
9. Let them know that you are maxxed out financially (including credit cards) and have NO means for a down payment!!! NO ONE will let you leave without some kind of down payment.
10. If they get you to buy and you immediately realize (after leaving the parking lot) that you don't want it or can't afford it. Immediately send your letter to the resort within I believe 3-4 days (it could be more or less) to cancel because after that grace period - ITS GOING ON YOUR CREDIT REPORT!!!!
11. If you don't own a home yet you have to perfect excuse, Why would I buy vacation property before a home, I must prioritize and right now its not even a option!!!
12. If you have children, BRING them!!!! Children especially impatient ones (that includes about 99.9% of them)!!!! Let them cry, encourage temper tantrums, and most importantly let the toddler future track star (you know the one that keeps running away from ya) Let them do their thing!!!! 99% of timeshare let you bring your children (they are usually on vacation in orlando right) so they provide a place for them to play. Don't let them go!!! Let them bug the heck out of you, and the presenter. It rushes the presentation - Trust me!!!!
Sounds like a lot, I know - but still it can be worth it, if the stay is nice. I have a friend and her husband who get a kick out of getting something for "nothing" (if time is nothing). While in Orlando last year they bragged about their $200 cash in 3 hours ($66.66 an hour doesn't sound so bad now does it!!) Their presentations NEVER went over 90 minutes. They did Tip #4 and said they had to pick up her mother at the Airport. Each time leaving with $100 bills. Another friend of mine did a presentation recently for (4) 4 day disney hoppers for $125 a piece!!!! Hope this helps !!!! - Also, you can only do so many presentations in so many days - your name goes in some system and you'll be locked out of presentations - JUST A THOUGHT!!!!
I hope this helps:space:
