Timeshare Companies
Central Florida Investments, Inc.Headquarters
This business is NOT BBB Accredited.
Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Timeshare Companies.
Reviews
This profile includes reviews for Central Florida Investments, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Review Ratings
Average of 339 Customer Reviews
Want to share your experience?
Leave a ReviewReview Details
Review fromKache P
Date: 07/12/2023
1 starKache P
Date: 07/12/2023
I am utterly appalled by the deceptive tactics employed by the sales staff at Westgate Las Vegas. This experience has left me feeling deceived and exploited, and I vehemently demand that Westgate immediately cancel my timeshare contract. I mailed them my complaints and only received a response back saying that someone was looking into it.
During my birthday trip, a Westgate representative approached us with enticing promises of vouchers and a free vacation. However, these were nothing but bait to subject us to a 90-minute presentation filled with lies and manipulation.
Their representative shamelessly urged us to falsify our income to qualify for the gifts, displaying a complete lack of integrity. Despite my explicit disinterest in purchasing a timeshare, the sales agent relentlessly badgered and pressured me, engaging her sales manager to intensify the coercion.
The signing process was rushed, conveniently omitting financial information and neglecting to disclose my right to rescind the contract. I have only stayed three nights at a Westgate Resort, yet I was shockingly charged an exorbitant $700, rendering the maintenance fees a burden surpassing reputable travel platforms.
Westgate's sales staff's despicable tactics and exploitative practices are inexcusable. I have demanded the immediate cancellation of my contract and strongly caution others to avoid Westgate's deceitful schemes. Such unethical behavior should not be tolerated, and Westgate must be held accountable for preying on unsuspecting individuals.Central Florida Investments, Inc.
Date: 07/25/2023
July 25, 2023
RE: Kache ********
****** ** * ****** * ******* * *********** * **** * *********
Dear Mr. ********,
We
appreciate your patience while we reviewed your correspondence. Please find our
response below.
It is our most sincere regret
to read that you no longer wish to be the owner of a timeshare with Westgate
Resorts. We realize that it can be frustrating waiting for a response. We ask
you to understand that our research procedure is thorough and involves multiple
departments working together to provide you with the affirmation that each of
your concerns is being reviewed and researched in detail. This protocol ensures
an accurate response with consideration for your concerns. We are most
appreciative of the patience you have granted this process. Please know that we
will be responding to you directly with regard to the concerns that you have
brought to our attention in your previous correspondence.
Regarding your concerns about
the sales presentation that you attended, please allow
us to sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced due to
the length of the presentation you attended and if you felt pressured or
uncomfortable in any way. Please remember that in order to receive the promised
gifts, you were only required to attend the presentation for 90 minutes and had
no obligation to remain past that time or to purchase. We ask you to understand
that it would have been at your discretion to inform the sales staff or closing
officer of any discomfort to ensure proper action was taken and refrain from
purchasing if your concerns were not addressed to your satisfaction. While
Westgate is a sales-driven company, at no point were you forced to stay or
purchase a timeshare.
Our
research has concluded that you were given full and fair disclosure of the
purchase terms and conditions. As a consumer, it was your responsibility to
review the terms of the purchase to ensure they fit within your financial means
and vacation needs. For Westgate’s and your protection, the contract documents
signed and initialed by the parties are considered expressions of our mutual
understanding of the purchase transaction. Please know that Westgate too is
bound to comply with the terms of the executed contract documents, which
constitute the only verifiable evidence to establish the terms of your
ownership. With that being said, it is Westgate’s position that your contract
is valid, enforceable, and it will not be canceled.
As
Westgate’s desire is to help all of our owners realize the full potential of
their vacationing asset, we encourage you to contact our Owner Relations
Team directly at 1-800-925-9999 / option 4 for personalized assistance with all
account matters. As always, we remain at your service, and we look forward to
hosting your future vacation endeavors.
Respectfully,
Connor M., Executive Team
Owner
Relations Correspondence
Westgate Resorts
[email protected]
Cm/bpReview fromRobert M.
Date: 07/10/2023
1 starRobert M.
Date: 07/10/2023
Westgate’s incompetence has left us with over $10,000 worth of debt, when this was pitched to us as the ‘most cost-effective way to travel’. This is bogus! We could go out of the country for less than half that amount and stay at a much nicer resort, and for a longer amount of time. Since being an ‘owner’ of Westgate for a year and a half now, we have not been able to use our timeshare ONE TIME!! Everyone was nice at first, and after declining their offers several times, their attitudes changed dramatically, from nice and charming to arrogant and pushy. We felt the pressure to sign, even though we did not want this and made that clear to the salesmen. If Westgate’s persistent salesmen could take a hint and understand that the word ‘no’ means no, and there’s no exception to that, than we wouldn’t be here!
Now, being an owner, it is far more expensive to travel than being a non-owner. With monthly mortgage payments and maintenance fee payments, when you book a vacation, they still charge more money when making a reservation. This is the worst consumer product on the market!Central Florida Investments, Inc.
Date: 07/26/2023
July 26, 2023
RE: Robert *******
****** ** * ****** * ******* * *********** * **** * *********
Dear Mr. *******,
We
appreciate your patience while we reviewed your correspondence. Please find our
response below.
Mr. *******, please be advised
that to protect your privacy we will be responding to your concerns regarding
your timeshare ownership in a separate letter that we will be sending to you
directly via email. If any questions or concerns should remain, we may be
contacted at the email address furnished below. Thank you for the opportunity
to be of service.
Respectfully,
Connor M., Executive Team
Owner
Relations Correspondence
Westgate Resorts
[email protected]
Cm/bpReview fromKelly B
Date: 07/05/2023
1 starKelly B
Date: 07/05/2023
Many complaints on this business. Bottom line they are a legalized fraud service. I was explained the NV situation on timeshares. They are basically allowed to lie, scheme and fraud per the NV government because they give massive amounts of lobby money to governmental candidates. Including presidential campaigns. This is widely known within the timeshare industry and local governmental offices. This is why you will find many complaints, but no real outcomes other than some lawyers going to arbitration to get individuals out of their fraudulent contracts. This company is no different, using blatant lies, stalling time and telling you only certain departments can handle your concerns. Every employee will smile while lying and telling you half truths. My last call to Westgate was 1 hour and 30 min wait time. The customer service rep needed to look what department they needed to send me too. She popped in about 30 mins into the hold time to tell me she knows exactly where I need to go. 1 hour and 30 minutes later still no touch back to the call. These kinds of things are normal business because they cannot or will not answer questions where they must admit fraud. They will use the silent treatment as a business practice. DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT EVERY GET IN BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY. IF YOU READ THIS AND YOU STILL DO, YOU WILL BE KNOWINGLY ACCEPTING FRAUD AND A BUSINESS SCAM. ALSO A SCAM THAT IS BACKED BY MONEY LAUNDERING. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PROTECT YOURSELF. DO YOUR RESEARCH YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. (Not ranked by BBB, I wonder why?)Central Florida Investments, Inc.
Date: 07/26/2023
July 26, 2023
RE:
Kelly *****
****** * ****** * **** * *********
Dear
Ms. *****,
We
thank you for your comments and feedback and are saddened to read about your
dissatisfaction. We deeply value your relationship with Westgate Resorts and
are committed to providing you with the highest level of service.
Ms.
*****, we have attempted to contact you via email without success. Please be
advised that we were unable to locate your account. If you would like for us to
review your concerns, we ask that you provide the account number accordingly.
Keep in mind that we cannot commence our research without this information.
For
your convenience, please find our email address provided below.
Respectfully,
Kirsten
W. Executive Team
Owner
Relations Correspondence
[email protected]
(Attn: Kirsten W.)
Kw/amReview fromSheronda O
Date: 07/03/2023
1 starSheronda O
Date: 07/03/2023
Westgate Resort in Orlando,Florida was by far the worst. I spent my birthday there and was disappointed I made that decision. Upon becoming a member was sent an email that family and friends could purchase see below:
“Share this exclusive gift of a five-star resort getaway with friends and family. They will enjoy a 3 day / 2 night stay in the destination of their choice.”
I had 2 people that went and had a bad experience. One was interested in buying in but after the room they were given was dirty, old model an had roaches in it they changed there mind.
I was called by supposedly my maintenance advisor (Brenda)that I was scheduled to meet with to tell her how the stay was going. Brenda asked me several questions about my 2 referrals in a roundabout way which made me upset. She began to get aggressive and yelled. I told her I was the customer and will not tolerate her behavior her exact words to me was “Forget I even called you”. That is totally unacceptable, I contacted so many numbers to report this nothing was done.
I requested to speak with another representative on Monday, basically was denied this due to no one ever returning my call.
The customer service on the resort is horrible. There is so much more that I can share however,I want to get the word out to anyone that is interested in buying don’t do it.
If I could give them 0 stars that’s how I would rate them. If you are interested in a company that says you are an owner seek some other resort.Central Florida Investments, Inc.
Date: 08/01/2023
August 1, 2023
RE:
Anthony and Sheronda *****
****** * ****** * ******* * *********** * **** * *********
Dear
Mr. and Mrs. *****,
We
thank you for your comments and feedback and are saddened to read about your
dissatisfaction with your purchase, as one of Westgate’s main goals is to
assist our owners in realizing the full potential of their timeshare ownership.
First
and foremost, please allow us to apologize for any lack of quality customer
service you may have experienced during your stay with us. Please be assured
that Westgate Resorts demands strict adherence to the Westgate Standards of
Excellence, our service protocol, at all times. We do not ever condone
discourteous or unprofessional behavior. Be assured, Westgate absolutely holds
its employees responsible for the things they do and say. Although we offer
continuous training for our staff, our most valuable tool to monitor individual
staff performance is comments from our guests; therefore, we truly appreciate
your efforts in bringing your experience to our attention. We can assure you
that appropriate retraining and positive changes will be conducted.
Mr.
and Mrs. *****, we are happy to see that compensation was provided by Resort
Management in the form of a $50 voucher for your next stay; therefore, no
further compensation will be provided. Thank you for giving Management the
opportunity to address this matter promptly.
For
further assistance with your account, we encourage you to reach out to our Account
Services Team at 1-888-999-0101. If we may be of further service,
you are welcome to contact us at the email address shown below.
Respectfully,
Kirsten
W. Executive Team
Owner
Relations Correspondence
[email protected] (Attn: Kirsten W.)
Kw/bpReview fromTorrie C
Date: 07/01/2023
1 starTorrie C
Date: 07/01/2023
These people are the worst. They are a rip-off time share scam. They lie to get you to buy in calling it ownership. You can't use it the year you buy it and then you get hit for a $1500 "Cleaning & Maintenance " for something you haven't even stayed in. Don't waste your money. Buy some real real real-estate. They are going to tell you that this a real-estate investment but is really really NOT!!Central Florida Investments, Inc.
Date: 07/28/2023
July 28, 2023
RE:
Torrie and Marilu ******
****** * ****** * ******* * *********** * **** * *********
Dear
Mrs. and Mr. ******,
We
thank you for your comments and feedback and are saddened to read about your
dissatisfaction with your purchase, as one of Westgate’s main goals is to
assist our owners in realizing the full potential of their timeshare ownership.
For
us to better address your concerns, being mindful of your privacy, and due to
the character limitation for comments on the BBB Review public board, please
know that we will be sending a full response to your concerns to the email
address we have on file for your account.
Respectfully,
Kirsten
W. Executive Team
Owner
Relations Correspondence
[email protected] (Attn: Kirsten W.)
Kw/bpReview fromRodney B
Date: 06/29/2023
1 starRodney B
Date: 06/29/2023
We have owned a timeshare with Westgate Resorts since February 2021. The initial presentation took place in Las Vegas and was supposed to last 90 minutes. The total time we ended up spending there was over 5 hours.
We were led to believe that we could book any resorts on odd years only and get 50% off on even years. When we attempted to book stays on even years, we only received 20% off the price. When booking our first stay, we were informed we had to attend a mandatory “owner’s update meeting” that would be about 45-minutes long. I was previously told I would not have to attend anymore presentations, however if you have not attended a presentation in over 6 months, they will advise that they have new updates to provide owners to lure you in to try to persuade you to upgrade.
We received an invitation to attend a free weekend in Smoky Mountains, TN, but were to attend a “dinner & short presentation” to retrieve it, however the presentation went on for several hours and they were forceful in getting us to change our ownership from Las Vegas to Smoky Mountains. The sales rep said we could rent it out on ****** and they could provide a consultant to assist us with that. We were never able to successfully reach this consultant. They said if we got out of the Las Vegas location that it would increase our location options as well as our “property value”. We were hesitant to do so, but the sales rep was a quick, smooth talker. He explained the benefits of owning a timeshare with more bedrooms and it would increase our property value while decreasing our maintenance fees. This was all false.
The sales rep claimed that we could rent out the property to offset some of the fees. We were told that using the Westgate credit card would also help us generate points to help cover maintenance fees. This was another false statement. Our mortgage payments have remained the same, while the maintenance fees have increased.
I request this be terminated with refund of all monies paid.Central Florida Investments, Inc.
Date: 07/14/2023
July 14, 2023
RE: Rodney *****
****** * ****** * ******* * *********** * **** * *********
Dear Mr. *****,
We thank you for your feedback and are saddened
to read that our previous responses did not provide the resolution you are seeking.
We deeply value your relationship with Westgate Resorts and are committed to
providing you with the highest level of service.
Mr. *****, for us to better address your
ownership concerns and due to the character limitation for comments, please know
that we will be sending an additional response to the email address on file for
your privacy.
We thank you for the opportunity to be of
service.
Respectfully,
Kirsten W. Executive Team
Owner Relations Correspondence
[email protected]
(Attn: Kirsten W.)
Kw/bpReview fromCharlie M
Date: 06/28/2023
1 starCharlie M
Date: 06/28/2023
I am writing to file a complaint against Westgate Resorts for their dishonesty in selling & managing timeshares. My family and I have experienced several issues since we purchased a timeshare with them in 2005. During the sales presentation, we were told that it would last only 90 minutes. However, we ended up spending 6 hours at the presentation. We spoke with multiple representatives during this time which led to confusion and ultimately resulted in us signing a contract without fully understanding its implications. We were unaware that it was a lifetime agreement that we could not exit. Westgate assured us that we could use our timeshare at any of their locations like New York and Las Vegas, which excited us about future travel opportunities. Unfortunately, these places were not included and we could only stay at our location. The company failed to inform us about the increasing maintenance fees and did not provide us with the opportunity to review this information in our contract. Despite their assurances, we were unable to trade our unit for any location other than Orlando. Westgate claimed it would be easy to sell or rent our weeks, but we have been unsuccessful in doing so for the past 15 years. For the past year, we have requested that Westgate cancel our contract, but they continue to deny our requests without providing any explanation or guidance on how to obtain approval. Our mortgage is paid off and we continue to pay our maintenance fees every year. However, it seems that Westgate prefers to take our money rather than earn it through honest business practices. We kindly request your assistance in resolving these issues with Westgate Resorts. Their deceptive practices have caused us significant financial & emotional stress. We believe that other consumers should be aware of their tactics. We want nothing more than to be free of them and to have our money back. Thank you for your attention to this matter.Central Florida Investments, Inc.
Date: 07/06/2023
July 6, 2023
RE: Charlie *** and Jenni ******
****** * ****** * ******* * ********** * **** * *********
Dear Mr. *** and Ms.
******,
We thank you for your feedback and are saddened
to read that our previous responses did not provide the resolution you are
seeking. We deeply value your relationship with Westgate Resorts and are
committed to providing you with the highest level of service.
First and foremost, we are again disheartened
to learn that our previous responses did not provide the resolution you are
seeking. Please understand that the purchase was over 16 years ago, making any
successful claim for relief, improbable. Also, we have already addressed your
concerns in our previous responses. However, as a courtesy, we will try to address
your concerns again as best we can. For us to
better address your ownership concerns and due to the character limitation for
comments, please know that we will be sending an additional response to the
email address on file for your privacy.
Mr. *** and Ms. ******, while any sales claims
are time-barred, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may have
experienced due to the length of the presentation you attended and if you felt
pressured or uncomfortable in any way. Please remember that in order to receive
the promised gifts, you were only required to attend the presentation for 90
minutes and had no obligation to remain past that time or to purchase.
Additionally, since there may have been offers presented on a first-come, first-served
basis, depending on the available inventory, the representative may have
expressed some urgency regarding the offer. However, you were never obligated
to remain past the agreed-upon time to receive your incentive or to purchase a
timeshare. Ultimately, you have the right to inform the sales staff or closing
officer of any discomfort to ensure proper action is taken or refrain from
purchasing if your concerns are not addressed to your satisfaction.
As for your concerns about the maintenance and
tax (M&T) fees, keep in mind that multiple documents disclosed that the
M&T fees were estimated and that they would increase over time.
Additionally, your signed documents indicate that you understood there had been
no representations made regarding the investment or resale potential of your
timeshare. As owners of timeshare deeded real estate, you are able to use,
rent, or sell your property; however, this activity would occur at your
discretion as Westgate does not have a rental or resale program. Further, be
advised that your property interest in your deeded real estate is yours
forever.
Be advised
that Westgate has repeatedly and consistently fulfilled its contractual obligations
over the years. Exchanges are not contractual in nature, therefore, making them
an owner benefit that is based on availability. While we can confirm that at
one time Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort, Westgate
Las Vegas Resort & Casino, and Westgate New York Grand
Central all had limited availability due to renovations and we were not
allowing exchanges into them for owners who did not own that particular resort,
we now can confirm that the exchanges are in fact open to everyone, again, based
on availability. Understand that although an option, exchanges are in no way a
contractual requirement.
Our records show that you have successfully
travelled using both your contracted occupancy as well as owner benefits more
than ten times over the course of your ownership. This does not include the
occupancies you booked and subsequently chose to cancel. Your contract remains
valid and will not be cancelled, and no refund will be offered. Westgate stands
ready and willing to continue fulfilling its obligations accordingly.
Respectfully,
Kirsten W. Executive Team
Owner Relations Correspondence
[email protected] (Attn:
Kirsten W.)
Kw/amReview fromLibra B
Date: 06/25/2023
1 starLibra B
Date: 06/25/2023
Delvys our Sales Rep at Westgate LIED! He gave us FALSE HOPE and MISREPRESENTED EVERYTHING!!! Our 2-hour meeting turned into 5 hours, and we were drained and exhausted! It was a long and painful 5 hours of our lives we will never get back, and thousands of dollars down drain. Booking a stay is impossible as their availability is abysmal, yet we were sold on this being an easy, convenient and flexible reservation process. Having owned for 6 years, you’d think we would have taken a vacation by now, but no, we have ZERO VACATIONS to our name. We were told that our unit had been part of a buyback program and they would discount it for us. Well after having several issues we reached out to have them buy it back and were told THEY DO NOT HAVE A BUY-BACK PROGRAM!!! The trickery is unreal, and the lies continue to unfold and pile up!Central Florida Investments, Inc.
Date: 07/13/2023
July 13, 2023
RE: Libra and Colin *******
****** * ****** * ******* * *********** * **** * *********
Dear Mrs. and Mr. *******,
We thank you for your feedback and are saddened
to read that our previous responses did not provide the resolution you are seeking.
We deeply value your relationship with Westgate Resorts and are committed to
providing you with the highest level of service.
Mrs. and Mr. *******, for us to better address
your ownership concerns and due to the character limitation for comments,
please know that we will be sending an additional response to the email address
on file for your privacy.
We thank you for the opportunity to be of
service.
Respectfully,
Kirsten W. Executive Team
Owner Relations Correspondence
[email protected]
(Attn: Kirsten W.)
Kw/bpReview fromJohnny J
Date: 06/21/2023
1 starJohnny J
Date: 06/21/2023
Your Review:
My wife and I had a bad experience at Westgate’s Smoky Mountain Resort in Gatlinburg. We were pressured into signing a timeshare agreement we didn't fully understand after 6 grueling hours. The salesman deceived us from the start. We thought we were making a $45,000 investment in real estate that we could rent out for $4,500 a week. This is simply a lie. We were also informed that if we upgraded our contract, we would be eligible to sell the whole ownership back to Westgate. Also, untrue. I am POSITIVE that the salesman intentionally took advantage of us because we are elderly. When we realized we had been duped, we contacted the CEO and asked to be let out of the contract. That was more than 30 days ago, and no one can be bothered to respond.
Central Florida Investments, Inc.
Date: 07/19/2023
July
19, 2023
RE: Johnny *****
****** * ****** * ******* * *********** * **** * *********
Dear Mr. *****,
We thank you for
your feedback and are saddened to read that our previous responses did not
provide the resolution you are seeking. We deeply value your relationship with
Westgate Resorts and are committed to providing you with the highest level of
service.
Mr. *****, for us
to better address your ownership concerns and due to the character limitation
for comments, please know that we will be sending an additional response to the
email address on file for your privacy.
We thank you for the opportunity to be
of service.
Respectfully,
Kirsten W.
Executive Team
Owner Relations
Correspondence
[email protected] (Attn: Kirsten W.)
Kw/bpReview fromJason S
Date: 06/19/2023
1 starJason S
Date: 06/19/2023
Westgate Resorts is one the most unethical companies out there. Not only did they steal money from us, but we were also robbed of our peace of mind, and our emotional and mental health has taken a toll. For the full 6 hours of the presentation, they told us we could make money in various ways with this real estate investment. For every 10 times they said, “real estate investment”, the word “timeshare” was muttered once. That old adage of “It’s not what they say, it’s what they don’t say” couldn’t be truer in our situation. They failed to disclose our right of cancellation and the timeframe we had to exercise it, they didn’t go over the truth in lending that would have shown us the full amount we were paying, they didn’t disclose product related fees, or that maintenance fees will increase annually and never end. It’s all roses until you sign their dreaded contract.Central Florida Investments, Inc.
Date: 07/05/2023
July 5, 2023
RE: Jason ***** and Sabrina *****
****** * ****** * ******* * *********** * **** * *********
Dear Mr. ***** and Ms.
*****,
We thank you for your feedback and are saddened
to read that our previous responses did not provide the resolution you are seeking.
We deeply value your relationship with Westgate Resorts and are committed to
providing you with the highest level of service.
Mr. ***** and Ms. *****, for us to better
address your ownership concerns and due to the character limitation for comments,
please know that we will be sending an additional response to the email address
on file for your privacy.
We thank you for the opportunity to be of
service.
Respectfully,
Kirsten W. Executive Team
Owner Relations Correspondence
[email protected] (Attn:
Kirsten W.)
Kw/am
Central Florida Investments, Inc. is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.
To become accredited, a business must agree to BBB Standards for Trust and pass BBB's vetting process.
Why choose a BBB Accredited Business?BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.
BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles.
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period, except for customer reviews. Customer reviews posted prior to July 5, 2024, will no longer be published when they reach three years from their submission date. Customer reviews posted on/after July 5, 2024, will be published indefinitely unless otherwise voluntarily retracted by the user who submitted the content, or BBB no longer believes the review is authentic. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. If you choose to do business with this company, please let them know that you checked their record with BBB.
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. BBB charges a fee for BBB Accreditation. This fee supports BBB's efforts to fulfill its mission of advancing marketplace trust.