Investigating Wild Bear Inn: Should You Consider a Timeshare Exit?

If you've found yourself entangled with Wild Bear Inn in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and are wondering whether it might be time to explore a timeshare exit option, this may be your call.
The truth is, Wild Bear Inn presents a very different experience than many expect when they hear the name "Westgate Resorts."

What Is Wild Bear Inn, Exactly?

Wild Bear Inn is a budget-friendly hotel located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the location itself sounds promising, nestled in a tourist-friendly area, the property is far from the luxury often associated with the Westgate name. In fact, it feels more like a modest roadside motel than a resort getaway. It used to operate under names like Rodeway Inn Pigeon Forge and Mountain Skys Lodge before Westgate acquired and rebranded it.

Despite being part of a large hospitality company, Wild Bear Inn is considered one of the lower-tier offerings in Westgate's portfolio. There are no high-end amenities, luxury spas, or immersive resort experiences here. The primary draws seem to be the pet-friendly rooms, seasonal outdoor pool, basic accessibility accommodations, and the on-site German-themed Wild Bear Tavern.

Who Owns Wild Bear Inn?

Wild Bear Inn is owned and managed by Westgate Resorts, a major hospitality corporation that operates resorts, vacation villas, and convention centers across the U.S. and abroad. Most of Westgate's properties aim for a more upscale, full-service experience, which makes Wild Bear Inn stand out in a not-so-flattering way. It simply doesn't match the standards set by their more prominent resorts.

Common Complaints

Cleanliness & Maintenance Issues: Customer reviews repeatedly mention problems with the basic upkeep of the rooms. Complaints include sightings of bugs, stained bathtubs, dead insects left in corners, and generally unclean or outdated interiors. Bathrooms are reportedly old, with leaking tubs, slow drains, cracked tiles, and faulty fixtures. Persistent odors are also commonly noted.

These aren't just isolated complaints, either. They crop up again and again in online reviews, painting a consistent picture of neglect. For a property under the Westgate banner, this can be disappointing and misleading to many guests.

Check-In Policies: Late Arrivals Beware: Several guests have encountered problems checking in after hours. If you arrive after 11 PM, don't expect a smooth experience. Reports detail office closures at night, forcing guests to wait for a security guard to show up and complete the check-in process. Some have waited over an hour. Worse yet, refund requests from frustrated guests were often denied, leaving them stranded without compensation.

There also seems to be a lack of transparency around check-in policies and operating hours. Hidden details or last-minute surprises can easily lead to a stressful experience.

Misleading Expectations: A recurring issue is the gap between expectation and reality. Many travelers book their stay assuming that, because Wild Bear Inn is part of Westgate Resorts, they're in for a well-appointed, resort-style experience. Instead, they're met with motel-like accommodations lacking the polish and perks typically expected from a name-brand hospitality provider.

This mismatch often leads to frustration. Guests expecting an elevated stay are instead surprised to find minimal amenities and barebones service.

Service & Refund Complaints: In one documented case, a guest was charged a refundable deposit that was never returned, even after multiple weeks and repeated attempts to contact staff. Phone calls reportedly went unanswered, and emails were ignored. These communication lapses make any billing or service issue that much harder to resolve, especially for timeshare owners or long-term vacation club members.

Safety and Accessibility Problems: The property also raises red flags regarding guest safety and accessibility. There are no elevators, meaning upper floors must be accessed via steep ramps. This can be a serious inconvenience, or even a hazard, for older individuals or those with mobility challenges.

Additionally, reports of mold, exposed electrical outlets, and overall poor maintenance pose clear safety concerns. For a company with the resources of Westgate, these oversights are both surprising and unacceptable.

Why a Timeshare Exit Company Might Be the Right Move

If you're stuck with a timeshare or vacation plan connected to Wild Bear Inn, it might be time to reevaluate your options. The disconnect between advertised and actual quality, poor upkeep, frustrating service, and potential safety issues can make ownership more of a burden than a benefit.

A reputable timeshare exit company can help you review your contract and determine the best path forward. They specialize in dealing with companies like Westgate, who may not make the exit process easy. The goal isn’t just to get out—it’s to do so legally, safely, and without sinking more time and money into something that clearly isn’t working for you.

Final Thoughts

Wild Bear Inn may be marketed under the Westgate umbrella, but it doesn’t live up to the reputation of its sister properties. With recurring problems in cleanliness, service, and transparency, it’s easy to see why some owners are looking for a way out. Whether your concern is safety, service, or simply disappointment, you have every reason to consider a legitimate timeshare exit path.

You deserve better than being locked into a property that doesn’t deliver on its promises.