Double Value?

I am really new to the timeshare world. Just bought 1 BR-annual-floating of Planet Hollywood Tower about 2 weeks ago.

The developer's sales team told me that my one-week ownership can exchange for "2 weeks" at other places starting in 2010. They also said that PH Tower is the best and most valuable timeshare at Las Vegas, due to its location (at the center strip) and being brand new. They claimed that the ownership of PH Tower is worth "double value".

I would like to hear from other timeshare owners. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Wife and I went through this sales pitch this weekend. We wouldn't buy. First I would never buy something that is not completed. Second I heard that PH was in trouble and looking for investors. I don't believe you will get your money worth. If the economy goes bad Vegas hotels could drop there price, since you now have a contract you are obligated to pay the monthly payment and fees no matter how high they go up. PH also had taxes included, add that up for each room times 52. Taxes also go up. We spent 4 nights in a hotel on the strip for less then $500, our convertible rental cost more. So why pay the huge down payment and monthly cost. I love to Vacation that is why time shares will not work, West-Gate wants to control vacation time, when you can go and where. I can't always go on week 27 or whatever. Trying to exchange or get into what's available where you want to go in the time share market does not work well. Forget about selling. Next year look on E-bay for people selling there timeshare at PH for 90% less just to get out of fees. I would not want a timeshare if given to me just for that reason.

There are Pros and Cons to Timeshare. However, we have owned at Westgate for 22years. Yes, our property has more than doubled. We had four kids and all have enjoyed the units for vacations, honeymoons, Hawaii Anniversarys, Vegas Anniversarsy, Many exchanges to great places. We havd not had any problems. Our one bedroom now, at Planet Hollywood has double since we were one of the first to buy pre-construction. We have no regrets. We enjoys all of our times whereever we go. Going to Planet Hollywood will be an awesome vacation. And if you can't go, I can tell you that you would be able to rent it out. I have been renting for years and this will be the top of the line! Good Luck & Happy Holidays!

It is apparent you have never stayed in a 5-star timeshare resort. I have purchased a studio for New Years at Planet Hollywood and whether it doubles in value or not I will get my money's worth by staying there for New Years or renting out. I have been enjoying other timeshare purchases for many years and this one, which is top of the line, the only timeshare in Vegas with a casino and located across from the new City Center, will be the envy of every other timeshare owner in Vegas! When sold out, you will be sorry you did not take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!

***Blew it! Let go to forclosure! See new post! Can replace for about half of mortgage on resale market!

Wonderful opportunity?!?!? Let’s analyze the Planet Hollywood Towers by Westgate as a good buy. First, the developer is selling the famed "New Years Week (actually only four days)" from between $43,000 to $100,000 depending on the size. Now, while they are promising you $500 to $700 a night of rental income it is not realistic. You cannot compete with the Bellagio, Wynn or any other major casino in Las Vegas. They are known and have entire staffs devoted to marketing, advertising and the great ability that they are not depending on hotel room rates to make their money. So, what does that mean, they can rent their luxury suites out for $50 a night, which they often do. Plus give casino credits and dinner coupons. Second, the towers aren't even finished. Look back and see how long people have been waiting for the towers to finish. Who would spend that kind of money on a timeshare in Vegas? Third, look at this board, TUGGS, sellmytimeshare or any other aftermarket times share companies and look at how much they are selling the Timeshares for. Most are selling for a fraction of what people bought them for from the developer you can pick your famed studio, up for under $5,000 on some sites. Additionally, do you think you can compete with Westgate when it comes to renting out units.

P.S. Moreya, read the small print of your contract and you will see that Westgate limits your ability to sell your timeshare to the price you paid for it. So, as far as it doubling in value, one I doubt it will but even if it did Westgate gets to buy it back from you for what you paid.

I am currently an owner very anxious to sell my PH timeshare. I have stayed there twice this year and the property, after being less than 9 months old is in horrible shapes. I've been in three rooms and each have issues from wind whipping through the windows to wet floors and drastic wear and tear on the rooms. I, too, was told I could exchange and do all sorts of great things with the ownership, only to find out this was all false and all I could do was use it at PH. Big mistake that I want to be done with!

Buy points in Europe and used them in America. That is double value. You can stay at Sunset Beach Club in Benalmadena Costa,Malaga, Southern Spain. You can buy points tru redweek.com

I'm a former wastgate employe in las vegas PH tower all i have to say is stay away from westgate all they do lie and lie timeshare is not a investment and you will never make money and rental is not that easy too thanks god i'm no longer working for them they make us lie to sell so since i didn't want to lie i left and they never paid my money and make me work sometimes for 6 days and they said you guys are 1099 that is funny as a independent contractor they can not give you work schedule and about PH tower they is a lien on the tower and they can not sell it now so good luck to all the owner timeshare is good but no value you can buy it on ebay for almost half of the price :):) value ?? funny so please stay away if you like to invest money buy a condo in las vegas and rent it and with you rental money you can travel around the work and value of you condo it will go up too not you timeshare i did that i own 2 rental condo in lasvegas which i paid cash so i get around 16000 $ rental so do you think i can travel with 16000$ a year ? so far i did and i stayed even in timeshare less then HOA :):) buying timeshare is fool smart people never buy timeshare westgate they are were selling there 2 bed for 60,000 $ wow and 4 bed for over 100,000 with 60,000 you can buy condo in las vegas and if you like to own something you can buy MGM condo for less then 200,000 and you can rent it all year around and that it will yours forever and with rental money you can go the best place around the world with air and food and so on so good luck to all timeshare owner hope you guys you can make money to sell it :):):) STAY AWAY FROM WESTGATE THEY ARE LIER AND THANKS GOD I'M NOT PART OF THEM

HI, I have been a very happy owner with westgate since 1992. I upgraded or so I was told in 2009 to PH. Everything was just as westgate owner upgrade salesperson said untill I tried to trade it as the professional at westgate said. Westgate has not done what they told us, have not returned phone calls, emails and lacked any kind of professionalism.I meet David Segial at PH when we upgraded and he shook my hand looked me in the eyes and said "Let me know if they don't treat you right. I know he talks to lots of people but I would love the opportunity to speak to him about how westgate has lost my trust. It would be a easy fix to make it right.

I had refused to pay my maintenance fees until I saw improvement at PH, which talking to the head of customer service, I was told that's fine. Then, I get a letter from the HOA that I'll be turned over to collections if I don't pay. So, I call and Westgate did actually take off some of the late fees and such - which, the least they could do. But, when I first called and refused to pay, the customer service manager told me to let him know when I'd be in Vegas and he'd arrange a tour to show me the improvements - so I have the trip arranged and emailed him about 3 weeks ago and haven't heard a word back...I refuse to stay there while in Vegas, too stressful

Unfortunately PH has turned out to be a real bummer!

Read and heed what former employee has to say!

Tons of people bought pre-constuction 4 years ago hoping to make a big profit! However, as resale sites and e-bay show they are lucky to get $.50 on the dollar. Yes, PH has doubled and tripled rack rate but who is buying??? Sales on e-bay auctions are what it is worth, not dreamers listing for twice what they paid! Look at how long ad has been around!

Understand, first tower is only about half sold and no firm date for constructing on others!

It is interesting to note casino is not in resort but next door.

Legal documents contain ROFR and severe restrictsons on reservation polices for resales!

Sales people tout big deal with Wyndham time shares. Actually only affects hotel operations.

Go to a sales pitch and will note about every 30 minutes a shrill jumps on table and yells welcome new owners and take 1234 out of inventory. At most time share sales pitches with say 25 people if one person buys in three hours a great day. If Westgate were selling that fast would not have any inventory!

If buying a time share check TUG and buy resale. The $30K you would pay Developer if invested will easily pay MF and you still have your money!

Cavet emptor!

KATEW65 You are dealing with two different legal entites. Developer and his finance company who hold mortgage and HOA.

If you do not pay mortgage then lien holder can foreclose!

If you do not pay MF then HOA can lien and sieze! HOA has no responsibility for lies Developer sales people told you! Generally Developer subsidizes MF during say 2 year sales period to faciltate sales, but after 4 years is really hurting!

Yes, until so many units are sold Developer controls HOA, but really not revelant!

Developers are infamous for promising fantastic amenties and disappearing.

Failure to pay will result in ding on your credit record.

The olde rock and hard place!

Westgate resorts are wonderful. I have stayed in Orlando, Park City, Las Vegas (both resorts), Gattlinburg, and a few others. When you own Planet Hollywood, it exchanges two for one within the Westgate system. This benefit will NOT change since they sold to Hilton

My experience with Westgate so far has been good. I own a 2 bed in the Elara and have exchanged 3 times for double weeks in a 2 bed in Orlando. My most recent exchange was made last week and although I had to prepay 2013 maintenance fees, the entire process was handled very efficiently by Westgate. Admittedly a few years ago Westgate administration was a joke but my dealings with them over the past year has been very good. I still remain nervous however as to how long the 2 for 1 deal will be honoured. Written into the sales contract, lawyers will always find small print or loopholes and I can't afford to challenge legally. Hopefully this will never be a problem.

As for Hilton selling more weeks in Elara, I reckon this is about to restart and it would be very useful if forum members could post details on this site. Anyone attending a sales presentation - what prices are being quoted and how much of the property is still available for sale ?

I also know that Marriott Grand Chateau, directly opposite to Elara on Harmon Ave. has started construction of their 3rd tower so the sales people will soon be luring people into sales presentations with free shows and dinner etc. If time permits, you should take a look and again post prices etc on this forum for comparison. The Grand Chateau rooms are very nice and tastefully furnished whereas the Elara is very bling-like with back & red furnishings but that depends on personal taste. Choose Elara if you are young, like standing in pools waist deep with a can of beer & loud music or Marriott if you are more mature and prefer to relax in your accommodation.

So glad to see a semi-newer post regarding the Westgate - Hilton situation. I cannot seem to get any answers from the Hilton people. They refer me back to Westgate. So, those of us who bought from Westgate are not associated with Hilton; only by name. Does anyone else have a better understanding? Next time I go to Vegas I will attend their sales presentation and find out the sales prices. Stay tuned!

I have been trying to find out where I stand with Westgate and Hilton and can not get an answer from either one. I have to book my week thru Westgate but they say I am not with them and that's all they can do for me - take my maintenance fee and book my week. Hilton won't even speak to me when I wanted to exchange. Tried going to Hilton's time share sales but they know nothing but the script they peddle. I'm in time share limbo. Anyone having better luck on where they stand and the ability to exchange or even sale there week??

nanettew3 wrote:

So glad to see a semi-newer post regarding the Westgate - Hilton situation. I cannot seem to get any answers from the Hilton people. They refer me back to Westgate. So, those of us who bought from Westgate are not associated with Hilton; only by name. Does anyone else have a better understanding? Next time I go to Vegas I will attend their sales presentation and find out the sales prices. Stay tuned!

I have a real good idea how on how this works. Been at Elara for awhile now... Call / text me at 661 - 312 - 6311 . Cory

kenb399 wrote:

I have been trying to find out where I stand with Westgate and Hilton and can not get an answer from either one. I have to book my week thru Westgate but they say I am not with them and that's all they can do for me - take my maintenance fee and book my week. Hilton won't even speak to me when I wanted to exchange. Tried going to Hilton's time share sales but they know nothing but the script they peddle. I'm in time share limbo. Anyone having better luck on where they stand and the ability to exchange or even sale there week??

nanettew3 wrote:

So glad to see a semi-newer post regarding the Westgate - Hilton situation. I cannot seem to get any answers from the Hilton people. They refer me back to Westgate. So, those of us who bought from Westgate are not associated with Hilton; only by name. Does anyone else have a better understanding? Next time I go to Vegas I will attend their sales presentation and find out the sales prices. Stay tuned!

More info than you want!

http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159389&highlight=Planet+Hollywood

I was able to exchange my 2014 1BR + Studio partial week into the Westgate system and book a vacation in 2015 at one of the other Westgate resorts (I chose Orlando fwiw). It took some phone logistics to do it but the Westgate folks made it happen for me. I had paid my maintenance fee on time and immediately banked the unit early w Westgate in 2014 knowing I wouldn't be able to use it, then when I had a need for an Orlando unit was able to cash it in. Hopefully they are still doing that for folks. Wish I could remember the exact logistics I did to make it happen.

I fully understand your problem as I too own PHT by Westgate and have the added cost of calling Westgate from the United Kingdom and waiting over 30 minutes at a time while Westgate keep you on hold on the phone.

There is a dedicated number for Westgate owners calling about PHT / Elara reservations & internal exchanges.

877 - 668 - 4482

To deposit ( for future exchange ) or reserve PHT use option 1

To make an internal Westgate exchange use option 2

If exchanging you need to deposit your week with Westgate who will keep you on a long hold whilst they check you have paid your fees with Hilton. Once confirmed they will give you a deposit number then you have to call them again to exchange and that seems to take a long time as well. I wonder if they go out to lunch to keep you on hold ?

Westgate are still offering 2 for 1 and I have just booked my 2016 vacation in Orlando exchanging Elara internally.