Westgate Resorts Overview

About Westgate Resorts:

Westgate Resorts is a timeshare company that operates luxury resorts across the United States. Founded in 1982 by David Siegel, Westgate Resorts has grown to become one of the largest privately-owned timeshare companies globally. The company is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and offers vacation ownership options in popular destinations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Myrtle Beach, and Park City, among others.

Westgate Resorts provides a range of accommodations, from studios to multi-bedroom villas, often featuring amenities such as pools, restaurants, spas, and recreational activities. The company also offers a variety of vacation packages and ownership programs designed to appeal to different types of travelers and vacationers.

In addition to its timeshare offerings, Westgate Resorts has expanded its business into other hospitality sectors, including hotel management and real estate development. The company continues to be a significant player in the timeshare industry, known for its expansive resort properties and diverse vacation experiences.

Vacation Ownership with Westgate Resorts :

Ownership Concept: Vacation ownership allows individuals to purchase a share of a vacation property, typically in the form of a resort condominium. This gives owners the right to use the property for a specific period each year.
Resort Locations: Westgate Resorts operates numerous properties in popular vacation destinations across the United States, including Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, and Myrtle Beach, among others.
Types of Accommodations: They offer a variety of accommodations ranging from studio units to multi-bedroom villas, providing options that cater to different family sizes and preferences.
Ownership Benefits: Owners typically enjoy amenities such as pools, fitness centers, restaurants, and access to various recreational activities within the resort. Some resorts may also offer additional perks like spa services or golf courses.
Exchange Programs: Many vacation ownership programs, including those offered by Westgate Resorts, are affiliated with exchange companies like Interval International or RCI. This allows owners to exchange their allotted vacation time for stays at other affiliated resorts worldwide.
Costs and Fees: Owners are responsible for purchasing the initial timeshare and paying annual maintenance fees to cover upkeep costs for the resort. These fees can vary depending on the size of the unit and the amenities offered.
Resale Market: Like any real estate investment, timeshares can be bought and sold on the resale market. However, it’s important to research thoroughly as resale values can vary significantly.
Customer Satisfaction and Reviews: Before committing to vacation ownership, it’s advisable to read reviews and consider the experiences of current owners to understand the pros and cons.

How the Westgate Resorts Points System or Weeks System Works:

Ownership: Individuals purchase a specific amount of points which corresponds to their timeshare ownership. Points can also be acquired through resale or upgrading.
Points Allocation: Each resort and unit type within Westgate’s portfolio is assigned a point value based on factors like location, size of accommodation, and season (peak vs. off-peak). More desirable locations or larger units typically require more points.
Booking Flexibility: Points can be used to book accommodations at any Westgate resort, allowing for flexibility in vacation planning. The number of points required for a stay depends on factors such as the resort, room type, length of stay, and season.
Banking and Borrowing: Owners can bank points they don’t use in one year for use in a future year, or borrow points from a future year to use in the current year, providing flexibility in planning vacations.
Exchange Options: Westgate owners can also exchange their points through external exchange companies like Interval International or RCI, which allows them to stay at affiliated resorts worldwide.
Annual Maintenance Fees: Owners are typically required to pay annual maintenance fees to cover the upkeep of the resorts. These fees can vary based on the size of the ownership and the resort.
Upgrades and Add-ons: Owners have the option to purchase additional points or upgrade their ownership to gain more flexibility and access within the Westgate network.

Examples of Popular Point Levels and Usage:

Here are some examples of popular point levels and their usage:

Example Point Levels:
Bronze: This could typically start from around 4,000 points per year.
Silver: Often in the range of 5,000 to 7,000 points annually.
Gold: Ranges can vary widely but might be around 10,000 to 15,000 points per year.
Platinum: Higher tiers can go from 20,000 points upwards annually.

Usage Examples:
Week-long Stays: Depending on the season and resort location, a one-week stay might require anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 points.
Short Stays: Weekend getaways or shorter stays could range from 2,000 to 5,000 points.
Upgrades and Special Accommodations: Premium accommodations, such as larger units or those with special amenities, might require higher points, sometimes doubling or tripling the base points for standard accommodations.
Seasonal Variations: Points required can vary significantly based on the time of year (peak vs. off-peak seasons), the popularity of the destination, and the type of unit (studio, one-bedroom, etc.).
Special Offers and Packages: Sometimes, Westgate Resorts offer promotional packages or deals where points required for a stay might be lower than usual, encouraging owners to use their points during specific periods or for specific resorts.
Flexibility: Points can often be used flexibly across different resorts within the Westgate network, allowing owners to choose different destinations and types of accommodations based on availability and preference.

For exact point requirements and usage scenarios, it’s best to consult directly with Westgate Resorts or refer to their official materials, as specific details can vary based on the resort, time of booking, and any current promotions.

Affordability: Renting or Purchasing from Existing Owners:

Renting from Existing Owners:

Short-Term Cost Benefits: Renting a timeshare from an existing owner can be more affordable in the short term compared to purchasing. You’ll typically pay a rental fee for the duration of your stay, which can sometimes be lower than booking a hotel room, especially for larger accommodations.
Flexibility: Renting provides flexibility in terms of not being tied to a long-term financial commitment. You can choose different locations and times of the year without being locked into ownership.
Limited Control: Since you’re renting, you won’t have control over the management or changes in the resort. Availability might also be limited during peak seasons.

Purchasing from Existing Owners:

Potential Cost Savings: Buying a timeshare from an existing owner can sometimes be cheaper than purchasing directly from the resort or developer. Owners looking to sell may offer lower prices to attract buyers.
Long-Term Value: If you plan to vacation regularly at Westgate Resorts or similar properties, purchasing a timeshare can provide long-term value compared to renting. You’ll have a guaranteed accommodation each year or biennially, depending on the ownership type.
Ownership Responsibilities: Purchasing a timeshare comes with ownership responsibilities, including maintenance fees, property taxes (if applicable), and potential special assessments. Make sure to factor these costs into your decision.

Considerations for Both Options:

Resale Market: The resale market for timeshares can fluctuate based on demand, location, and resort popularity. Research current market prices before making a decision.
Usage Frequency: Evaluate how often you’ll use the timeshare. If you only vacation occasionally, renting might be more cost-effective than owning.
Exchange Programs: Check if the resort participates in exchange programs like RCI or Interval International. These programs allow timeshare owners to exchange their weeks for stays at other affiliated resorts worldwide, adding flexibility to your ownership.

Experience the Difference:

“Westgate Resorts: Experience the Difference” is a slogan used by Westgate Resorts to convey their unique offerings and approach to hospitality and vacation experiences. It suggests that choosing Westgate Resorts over other options will provide guests with something special and distinctive in terms of service, accommodations, and overall vacation satisfaction. The slogan emphasizes the idea that staying at Westgate Resorts will offer a memorable and superior experience compared to other resort options.

List of Resorts Owned by Westgate Resorts:

Westgate Resorts owns a number of resorts across various locations in the United States. Here are some of the notable ones:
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino – Las Vegas, Nevada
Westgate Park City Resort & Spa – Park City, Utah
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa – Orlando, Florida
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort – Cocoa Beach, Florida
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo – River Ranch, Florida
Westgate Branson Woods Resort – Branson, Missouri
Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort – Williamsburg, Virginia
Westgate New York Grand Central – New York City, New York

These are just a few examples, as Westgate Resorts operates multiple properties across popular vacation destinations in the United States.

Disclosure:

The information provided is for general purposes only and may not always be current. GoVillaTravel is not a real estate agency or realtor and does not offer real estate services. We operate independently and are not affiliated with Westgate Resorts, any of its resorts or hotels, any timeshare resort, exchange company, or similar entities. As a marketing and advertising agency, our focus is on connecting property owners with potential renters or buyers for units listed for rent or sale by owner. Inventory is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and neither GoVillaTravel nor its clients will hold units without a deposit. For the convenience of site visitors, Owners, Guests, potential renters, and potential clients, GoVillaTravel may provide names or lists of providers who offer products and/or services. These listings are not endorsements of any specific provider. GoVillaTravel makes no representations regarding the qualifications or quality of the products or services offered by these providers and assumes no liability for the products or services provided by these independent entities, which have no affiliation with GoVillaTravel.