Caught in a Vistana Timeshare You No Longer Want? You’re Not Alone.
Vistana Signature Experiences — now owned by Marriott Vacations Worldwide — manages timeshare programs for Sheraton Vacation Club and Westin Vacation Club. While these brands promote luxury and flexibility, many owners find themselves overwhelmed with fees, booking issues, and confusing contracts.
Whether you own a legacy deeded week or Vistana points, the cancellation process can feel impossible. But it’s not — if you follow the right steps.
At TimeshareExitReviews.com, we’re not a timeshare exit company. We help owners connect with escrow-backed cancellation experts so they don’t lose money to scams or upfront-fee firms.
This is your step-by-step guide to cancel Vistana timeshare the safe, legal, and smart way.
Step-by-Step: How to Cancel Vistana Timeshare (Westin or Sheraton)
Below is the full process — whether you just purchased or have owned for years.
Step 1: Check for Rescission (If You Just Bought)
If you purchased your Vistana timeshare within the last 3–10 days, depending on your state’s laws, you have a legal right to cancel the contract for a full refund. This is called the rescission period, and it’s your best opportunity to exit without penalty.
How to Cancel During Rescission:
- Locate your contract and find the “Right to Cancel” section
- Draft a short letter including your name, contract ID, and clear intent to rescind
- Send the letter via certified mail to the rescission address listed in the documents
- Keep all proof of mailing, copies of your letter, and a copy of your contract
If you’re within the rescission period, act immediately. This window closes quickly, and after that, cancellation becomes far more difficult.
Read our complete guide on: How to Rescind a Timeshare Contract.
Step 2: Understand What You Own
Vistana products are complicated. Knowing what type of ownership you have is critical for choosing the right cancellation strategy.
Common Vistana Ownership Types:
- Deeded Ownership (Legacy Weeks): You own a specific week at a Sheraton or Westin resort. These may be older contracts and occasionally eligible for surrender.
- Vistana Vacation Points (Flex Options): Points-based system for flexible bookings — typically harder to cancel or resell.
- Mandatory vs. Voluntary Resorts: Some contracts are tied to Interval International (II) benefits that you lose on resale, making them harder to transfer.
You’ll need to know:
- Are you paid off or still financing?
- Is your account in good standing?
- Do you own trust points, a deed, or a right-to-use contract?
This determines whether your exit path involves a deed-back, legal cancellation, or resale (though resale is rarely viable — more on that below).
Step 3: Contact Vistana or Marriott Directly (Try Internal Exit)
Vistana (now under Marriott) has offered internal exit programs on a case-by-case basis. These aren’t publicized, but some owners have succeeded when:
- Their contract is fully paid
- They’re up to date on fees
- They request a “voluntary surrender” via Owner Services
Tips for This Step:
- Be persistent. Many reps are trained to upsell rather than cancel.
- Request your case be reviewed by management.
- Document all calls and emails.
If denied, or if they offer an upgrade instead of cancellation, move on to safer third-party help.
Step 4: Avoid Resale Scams and False Promises
Timeshare exit scammers often target Vistana owners, especially Sheraton and Westin contracts, because of their brand recognition.
They may promise:
- “We have a buyer ready”
- “We’ll cancel your timeshare in 30 days”
- “We’re working with the government or Marriott”
- “You just need to pay us $3,000 today to start”
These are massive red flags.
Scammers prey on your urgency — and once they have your money, they disappear. In most cases, your timeshare is never cancelled, and you’re left paying ongoing fees.
We recommend owners to stay alert on timeshare resale fraud by checking FTC & BBB.
Step 5: Why Resale Isn’t a Real Solution
You might consider selling your Sheraton or Westin timeshare — but the truth is, there’s no real resale market for Vistana contracts.
- Listings on eBay and RedWeek often go for $1 (or sit unsold)
- Buyers lose key benefits — especially Interval International access
- Vistana must approve transfers, and they can take months
- You may still owe fees until the transfer finalizes (if it ever does)
Resale doesn’t equal exit — and in many cases, it’s just another dead-end.
Step 6: Work With a Legitimate, Escrow-Based Exit Company
If rescission has passed and Vistana won’t accept a deed-back, your safest move is hiring a vetted timeshare exit company that uses escrow.
Why Escrow Matters:
- You don’t pay up front — your money goes into a third-party escrow account
- The company only gets paid after they cancel your timeshare
- If they fail, you keep your money
- It filters out scams and protects your finances
Read here: Why Escrow Is the Only Safe Way to Cancel a Timeshare
Step 7: What the Cancellation Process Actually Looks Like
Here’s what happens when you work with an escrow-based company to cancel a Vistana timeshare:
- Contract Review and Free Consultation
A specialist reviews your contract and checks for issues like misrepresentation, deed structure, or financial hardship.
- Custom Exit Plan with Escrow Setup
You get a written cancellation strategy and your payment is secured in escrow. The company is only paid once the job is done.
- Legal Notices to Vistana/Marriott
The exit firm contacts the resort on your behalf and initiates formal cancellation steps.
- Updates Throughout the Process
You’ll get monthly or biweekly updates until resolution.
- Final Cancellation Confirmation
When your contract is officially cancelled, you’ll receive written proof that you are no longer obligated.
- Release from Financial Liability
You’re done. No more maintenance bills. No future risk.
Average timeframe: 6 to 12 months, depending on the resort’s response.
How TimeshareExitReviews.com Helps
We’re not a cancellation company. We’re your independent guide to safe cancellation.
We help Vistana owners:
- Avoid scams that target Sheraton and Westin owners
- Understand their legal cancellation options
- Get connected with companies that only get paid when you’re successful
- Save $1,000 or more by asking two key questions before hiring any company
Call us or fill out the form on the right. A single 10-minute conversation can save you thousands.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I cancel my Sheraton or Westin timeshare myself?
Only during the rescission window. After that, cancellation usually requires professional assistance.
2. Does Marriott offer cancellation programs?
Sometimes, but only case-by-case. They do not offer a public deed-back program.
3. What happens if I stop paying?
You risk collections, credit damage, and possibly foreclosure. Cancellation must be done legally.
4. Is resale ever an option?
Not for most. Vistana contracts have no real market value, and buyers lose key benefits.
5. How much does it cost to cancel?
Most escrow-based cancellations cost $3,000 to $6,000, but only after completion.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Cancel Your Vistana Timeshare
Whether you own a Westin week, Sheraton points, or a Vistana Flex contract, you don’t have to stay stuck.
Just remember:
- Use rescission if you’re eligible
- Avoid scammers asking for upfront fees
- Only work with companies that use escrow
- Contact us for two questions that protect you and could save you $1,000 or more
Don’t wait — talk to someone who can help you exit safely today.
